Position: Organic Agronomist

Reporting to: Executive Director

Location: Peace Region, AB (or willing to travel)

Terms: Contract – Full-time (will consider part-time), two-year contract with potential for extension

Start Date: Flexible (preferred April, 2024)

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000

Organic Alberta:

Organic Alberta’s mission is to represent, support and grow Alberta’s entire organic industry. We are a not-for-profit organization led by a governance board. We pride ourselves on our organizational culture and have a small group of dedicated and passionate staff primarily located in Edmonton, with some team members working remotely. Established in 2005, we represent all 590 organic producers and processors in Alberta as well as 100+ businesses across the organic community. 

Organic Alberta is the voice of organics. We communicate with and for the sector, we market the organic brand, we encourage and support producers to become organic, we cultivate better production practices, and we advance business development. We lead the industry towards success.   

The Ideal Candidate:

You are passionate about supporting farmers in a holistic way. You are passionate, curious, and excited about organic and/or regenerative agriculture. You are willing to work collaboratively with local partners and organizations. You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, being able to communicate with various stakeholders, but most importantly farmers. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work one-on-one with organic farmers
  • To advise on crop management including, but not limited to weed management, fertility management, and diverse crop rotation planning
  • Take plant and soil samples, and assess results
  • Work with the producer to create a management plan that balances soil health, crop yield, and economic returns 
  • Engage with farmers through field visits, phone enquiries, email, etc. as necessary
• Advise farmers on agronomy during the years of transitioning into organic
• Support the Peace Country Organic Success program
  • Assess the agronomic needs of organic farmers in Northern Alberta
  • Participate and lead in technology transfer and training activities
  • Support the production of extension material
  • Write quarterly reports for stakeholders
  • Evaluate organic crop performance as affected by weather, management practices, etc.
  • Keep up to date with relevant research and apply new knowledge
• Collaborate with regional partners
  • Consult with applied research association on trials 
  • Communicate with the research community to learn the latest research on organic agronomy

Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge Requirements: 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral, are imperative
• Completed post-secondary education in agriculture or related discipline
• Sc. a strong asset
• Strong understanding and familiarity with crop production in Northern Alberta
• Interest and enthusiasm to network and build relationships within the agricultural industry
• Industry experience with a focus on agronomy, crop production, and/or field research in Western Canada
• Must be licensed or qualified to be licensed as Professional Agrologist
• Eager to learn 

Position: 

• Due to the nature of this position, this role requires flexibility. The successful candidate: 
  • May need to occasionally work evenings and weekends to attend events
  • Must be able to travel within Alberta and Canada
  • Must possess a valid Alberta’s driver’s license and ability to drive their own vehicle

Deadline: Until position is filled.