Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) is a development board for the dynamic and growing pulse crop industry. Accountable to and funded by the over 15,000 pulse growers in the province, we provide leadership and work to create opportunities for profitable growth of the Saskatchewan pulse industry by investing in research, market development, communications, and agronomy extension.
At SPG, we see diversity as an asset and strive to make our work and our organization inclusive. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities and an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can bring their whole self to work.
We are seeking a student to join our agronomy team for a 4-month term starting in May 2025 to help monitor pulse crops, be involved in field projects, and develop agronomic expertise related to pulses in Saskatchewan for the 2025 field season.
Summer Student
Summary of Role
This role is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated and collaborative student looking to build a future career in Agronomy. If you have an interest to be in the field collaborating with agronomists and growers to monitor crop development and identify pest issues while also developing professionally in an office setting, this may be a fit for you. This position will be located out of SPG’s Saskatoon office.
If you are motivated to make a difference for farmers and have a drive to continue to expand your knowledge, we want to hear from you. Reporting to the Agronomy Manager, the Summer Student is responsible for assisting with field diagnostics and pest monitoring, implementing field-scale project(s) and small plot variety showcases, representing SPG at field days, as well as supporting SPG’s extension team through assisting with resource development and updates.
Primary Responsibilities
Surveillance & Monitoring
- Monitoring pulse crops through supporting Agronomy Manager as well as collaborations with industry, agronomists, and key growers to identify any emerging issues during the growing season.
- Participate in formal and informal pest surveys to learn how to scout for and identify common diseases and insect pests of pulses. Collect a portfolio of images and videos on pests.
- Perform in-season root rot plant and soil sample collection as part of pathogen monitoring and surveillance programs in pea, lentil, and faba bean crops.
Extension
- Assisting with extension activities such as content creation for timely social media posts throughout the growing season to inform producers and agronomists of current pulse crop issues. This includes collecting media (photos and short videos) and provide weekly briefs on field progress (crop staging, pests present, crop health, weather).
- Assisting with updating factsheets and resources for timely release to industry in monthly newsletters, as well as creating grower and agronomist facing summaries from applied research reports.
- Answering questions from growers and agronomists utilizing technical SPG resources.
Agronomy & Variety Support
- Increase knowledge and understanding of pulse crop staging, pest pressures and general agronomy of pulse crops in Saskatchewan through regular field visits.
- Develop knowledge and speaking points on the latest varieties of peas, lentils, chickpeas and faba beans through field visits and formal conversations with producers, seed growers, and agronomists to be able to provide presentations at the variety showcase demonstrations at various field days.
- Inspect and report on the status of small plot and field scale projects in-season and manage and collect data on an SPG led field scale trial site from seeding to harvest.
SPG Representative
- Represent SPG at extension activities such as field days, tours, and training events and speak on SPG funded projects.
Qualifications
- Must be enrolled in and completed year 2+ of an Agriculture or relevant Science degree program; or have completed 1+year of an Agricultural diploma program by May 2024.
- Knowledge of Western Canadian agricultural practices is important.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, proficient in oral and written communications, and able to develop relationships with a wide variety of valued colleagues, partners, and stakeholders (growers, agronomists, research scientists).
- Experience surveying or scouting pulse fields is considered an asset and preferred.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
- Valid driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract with the ability to travel is required.
Application Details
Job Type: Summer student 4-month term.
We offer a competitive salary and an innovative and positive work environment.
Please apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to: cgore@saskpulse.com
If you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate communication formats or accessible meeting spaces), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Application deadline: October 25th, 2024.
We appreciate all applications, but only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.