The Flax Breeding Program at the Crop Development Centre is a very successful program included in the Department of Plant Sciences.  Our varieties are grown on approximately 80% of the flax acres in Western Canada.

Primary Purpose: The Plant Sciences Department at the University of Saskatchewan requires a Research Technician to work in the Flax Breeding Program to assist in varietal development.

Nature of Work: The successful candidate will work on field plot and breeding nursery establishment, harvest and field data collection with the opportunity to collect data related to fiber and grain quality in a laboratory.  Other tasks include the day-to-day maintenance of the field material in the program.  The position may involve some supervision of casual staff.  The successful candidate must be willing to work outdoors, work flexible hours, including overtime, during planting, harvest and other peak times. 

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: The successful candidate must be willing to work outdoors, work flexible hours during planting, harvest and other peak times and have a reasonable level of mechanical ability. The candidate must be willing to continually learn new tasks commensurate with the changing needs of the position.  Some of these tasks may involve the use of field research equipment. The job involves limited travel outside the Saskatoon area and limited heavy lifting (25 kgs).

Education: Minimum grade 12 Diploma.  University classes in Agriculture or related area would be an asset.

Licenses: Candidates must hold a valid class 5 driver’s license and be willing to upgrade to a class 5G endorsement to allow the driver to tow a trailer weighing more than 4600 kgs.   Candidate must be willing to take a pesticide applicator course or already have done so. 

Experience: Experience in research plot or associated work, such as the operation of small-plot equipment, including small tractors, would be an asset.

Skills: The position requires a motivated, reliable and well-organized person able to work independently and able to interact with others in a dynamic group environment. The ability to problem solve and share solutions is also expected.