IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?
• You’re keen to develop relationships in Alberta’s agriculture industries.
• You have a discriminating eye for projects that will have a direct positive impact on Alberta’s agriculture industry, and contribute to farm cash receipts, value added production, exports, and jobs.
• You’re able to critically review and manage a portfolio of projects that deliver on RDAR’s mandated outcomes.
• You have a good understanding Alberta’s crop producers’ needs and an appreciation for the science needed to meet those needs.
• You want to participate on a team that’s excited to build the industry.
ABOUT US
Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) was incorporated in 2020, and since that time, has invested millions in agriculture research. A not-for- profit organization, operating at arm’s-length from the Alberta government, RDAR is dedicated to producer-led research and has a mandate of guiding Alberta's agriculture research priorities to ensure they reflect the needs of farmers,ranchers, and others in the agriculture industry.
JOB SUMMARY
The Research Program Officer is responsible for providing scientific expertise to RDAR's research grant programs and helping RDAR meet its mandate and goals. Within this role, the Research Program Officer ensures the ongoing engagement with Alberta's research community, producers, and colleagues in delivering results driven agriculture investments, resolving issues, and embracing opportunities for Alberta's livestock and crop sectors.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Evaluate research proposals and provide funding recommendations based on sound science and ability to deliver practical outcomes for Alberta's producers.
• Liaise with researchers and ensure research projects are developed and delivered using sound science aligned with RDAR's policies and requirements.
• Provide rigour to RDAR's investments by contributing scientific expertise and understanding of research methodology to ensure that the experiment design and techniques are appropriate for achieving the intended results.
• Engage regularly with research program staff of partnering funders (marketing boards, commissions, associations, and producers) to facilitate collaboration and understand the priorities
of farmers and ranchers in Alberta and across commodity or production systems.
• Review interim and final reports to monitor progress and ensure client delivery on commitments. Identifies successful research outcomes and contributes to RDAR's activities and communications advancing innovation.
• Present recommendations for or against decision-makers, and manage applicant relations regardless of result.
• Compile and manage data on program evaluation and performance measures.
• Provide specialized knowledge about leading-edge research and networks to identify new opportunities in research to solve issues facing the livestock and crop sectors in Alberta.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Masters or Ph.D. in a related science field (e.g., crop science, soil science, microbiology, genomics). Individuals without Graduate degrees may be considered if they have relevant extensive scientific experience.
• Deep knowledge of Alberta’s crop production practices.
• 5 years of research experience and/or research funding experience.
• Ability to adapt information and terminology to meet stakeholder needs and understanding.
• Well-developed research and analytical skills at the expert level.
• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Self-motivated, energetic, and enthusiastic.
• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work effectively.
• Ability to strategize and develop creative and efficient solutions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and manage projects.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and pivot to rapidly changing demands.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while managing competing priorities.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.
• You have a proven ability to develop credible relationships with diverse interest groups and within a team.
• Excellent tact and professionalism to facilitate negotiation, conflict resolution, and handle highly confidential matters.
• Ability to plan, lead and keep projects on track.
• Ability to develop, coach and mentor diverse teams in a cohesive way towards a common goal.
• Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge and expertise in all or some of the
following areas:
o Research methodologies and their appropriate application.
o Alberta's crop and livestock industry issues and processes.
o Technology Readiness Assessment
o The project management life cycle and project management techniques.
o Stakeholder engagement, including farmers, ranchers, packers, processors, academics,
and applied research scientists.
POSITION DETAILS
• Permanent, full-time position.
• 37.5 hours / week, 5 days / week.
• Office location at 250 Karl Clark Road in South Edmonton.
• Flexible working arrangements available – virtual or hybrid option available.
• Competitive salary and benefits package. Salary to be set based on experience.
• Some travel required. Valid Class 5 Drivers License an asset.
• Must be legally able to work in Canada