The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is currently seeking applicants for the position of Organic Agriculture Research Assistant- Soil & Plant Sciences.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) is a research and extension unit at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)– Richmond campus. Through our integrated program of applied research, extension programming, and community engagement, we investigate and support regional food systems as a key element of sustainable communities. We focus predominantly on British Columbia but also extend our programming to other regions.
Organic Agriculture Research The ISFS is involved in conducting several sustainable agriculture research projects which have the following goals:
• The development of regenerative agricultural techniques
• The production of minerally dense foods
• The development of protocols for truly superior animal welfare
• The preservation of live soil and water resources
• The mitigation of soil’s carbon emissions via alternative cultivation methods
The Research Assistant will be participating in the execution of research projects taking place at the Tsawwassen Farm School this summer. These include soil amendment trials, nutrient density trials, cover crops and grains experiments and a research project in partnership with UBC investigating the use of pigs on rotational pasture to improve soil. You will be gaining valuable experience designing and conducting field and laboratory research in soil and crop science while also learning small-scale and sustainable agriculture practices.
Position Description: Organic Agriculture Research Assistant– ISFS
Wage: $17-19/ hour (based on experience)
Hours: 35-40 per week
Contract: April 23rd, 2019 to September 15th, 2019 (dates negotiable)
Supervisor: Dr. Kent Mullinix (ISFS Director), Corine Singfield (Organic Researcher)
Student qualifications
- Keen interest and/or experience in small-scale agriculture
- Interest in participating in primary agricultural research involving organic livestock and crops
- Be self-directed and able to take initiatives
- Must be able to work outside in all weather
- Experience with data management an asset
- Knowledge/education of plant and/or soil science
- Be under 30 years old
Job duties
- Participating in all aspects of various research projects on the Tsawwassen Farm School
- Taking soil and plant samples
- Perform lab analysis
- Recording and processing data
- Participate in planning meetings
- Perform farming duties that are part of the research project such as: feeding pigs, watering & weeding crops, move electric fences, seed cover crops, harvest & weight, etc.
Apply
To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter clearly establishing your related experiences, learning goals and reasons for applying to: Corine Singfield at Corine.Singfield@kpu.ca
Application is open until February 15th.
Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by February 18th .
View other farm jobs and apprenticeships here.