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 currently seeking someone to complement our existing Agronomy Manager position to provide more expertise in faba beans, soybeans, and peas as well as more focus on pulse research through leading the development, execution, and extension of the Applied Research & Demonstration (ARD) program as well as the root rot strategy.

Agronomy Manager

This dynamic role full time role is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated professional who is interested in advancing pulse production and research in Saskatchewan with a focus on faba bean, peas and soybeans. If you have a passion for extension and communicating agronomic information to growers and agronomists, we want to hear from you. Reporting to the Director of Research and Development, this Agronomy Manager’s primary responsibilities will include:

• Agronomy Expertise- Provide knowledge in pulse agronomy internally and externally to develop and drive strategy as well as to influence the success of growing pulse crops in Saskatchewan with a focus on peas, faba beans and soybeans. You will develop and lead strategy for addressing root rots in pulses as part of the national Root Rot Network.
• Extension- Provide agronomic information and research outcomes to growers, agronomists, research, and agriculture industry through direct enquiries, field visits, formal and informal presentations, developing and providing input into new publications, videos, podcasts and other methods of communication.
• Communications Support- Work closely with the SPG Communications team to provide extension and communications support related to agronomy, research, and ARD projects by identifying key topics, providing content expertise, and coordinating content development, as well as providing technical oversight and review of communications materials.
• Applied Research and Demonstration (ARD) Project Development and Managment- Lead collaborations with research managers at the various AgriARM sites, private research managers, public researchers, and industry to develop and deliver pulse projects focused on demonstrating results from research across environments as well as product and technology evaluations. Project management to include building consensus on protocols and experimental design, developing contracts, managing deliverable and invoicing, reviewing reports and providing guidance on extension of results.
• Industry Collaboration- Develop and maintain networks and collaboration with agronomists to support agronomy of peas, faba beans, and soybeans. Work to ensure agronomists have the necessary tools to provide sound production recommendations to pulse growers to increase yields, profitability, and successful adoption of new and existing pulse crops. Identify opportunities for new product registrations through support to the pulse minor use program.
• Technical Collaboration- Lead solutions for issues related to peas, faba beans, and soybeans through collaborative efforts with external stakeholders. This will involve facilitating steering groups, chairing meetings, developing workplans, and implementing action plans to drive solutions.

Qualifications include:

• Post-secondary education in agriculture or relevant science field is preferred. Master’s degree is an asset.
• Minimum five years experience with a focus on agronomy and crop production in Western Canada and an in-depth knowledge of the agriculture industry. Direct experience and/or knowledge of pulse agronomy, especially of peas, faba beans, and/or soybeans, would be considered an asset.
• Experience with small plot field trials including protocol development, experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Must be licensed or qualified to be licensed as Professional Agrologist with Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists (SIA).
• Proven ability to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with growers, industry, and the research community.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral & written), experience inextension/information transfer would be considered an asset.
• Highly organized, with critical thinking, problem solving and project management abilities; able to prioritize and manage multiple projects and programs.
• Passionate and motivated to be an expert on pulse crop agronomy in Saskatchewan.
• Team player with strong collaborative and negotiating skills.
• Professionalism essential.

Location: SPG’s Saskatoon office preferred. Open to working from another location located in or near Saskatchewan’s pea, faba bean, and/or soybean growing regions.

SPG offers a competitive salary and benefits program, hybrid office arrangement, and an innovative and positive work environment.

Please apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to: hr@saskpulse.com

Selection process will involve initial application review, phone screening of selected candidates followed by in-person or virtual interview. We welcome individuals to declare if they require an accommodation to take part in the selection process or improve accessibility.

Application deadline: Sept 13, 2024
Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Job-Type: Full-Time