Agricultural Technician

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Agricultural Technician

Research Project

Department/Unit Agriculture - Dean's Office

Location Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number S347-26

Employee Group None

Position Type Temporary

Duration of Contract (if applicable) 3 months

Employment Type Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0

Salary $28.31 - $30.02 per hour based on 35 hours per week

Classification

Provisional Statement

About Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

The Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University is a small research-intensive campus located in Truro, NS. Offering technical, undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, environment and related life and social science disciplines, the Faculty of Agriculture educates future leaders and generates knowledge and innovative solutions for healthy, sustainable societies. Reporting to the Operations Manager and the Programs and Finance Manager, and under the day to day direction of the Ruminant Coordinator, the Agricultural Technician will be responsible for the on-going care of animals and operations pertaining to the Ruminant Animal Centre (dairy and sheep), Agricultural Campus (AC) Farm, in support of the Faculty’s teaching and research objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily activities pertaining to livestock production practices pertaining to the dairy herd and sheep flock, including, but not limited to, animal care, welfare and husbandry, handlingand restraint, breeding and reproduction, herd/flock health and nutrition, pasture management, and animal housing and environment.
• Utilize relevant IT software, applications and programs to collect data and make evidence-based decisions relevant to the dairy and sheep operations. Collect, record and maintain data pertaining to production and management eg. breeding inventory and production.
• Operate and maintain facilities and equipment relevant to dairy and sheep operations including but not limited to, feed, milk and manure systems, mobile powered equipment, and animal transport. Perform and document routine maintenance and repairs.
• Provide technical and functional assistance to faculty, students and staff working within the ruminant operations.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures and safe work practices, occupational health and safety, animal care and biosecurity requirements.
  
  

Note

This position is deemed an essential services position and the selected candidate must be able to work weekends and holidays as part of a rotating schedule, Monday through Sunday, and available to work overtime andduring campus closures as required.

The incumbent regularly will be required to work in adverse conditions such as dust, odors, noise and extreme temperatures; handle and restrain animals; and be exposed to chemical, organic and biological materials , manure, disinfectants, compressed gases, and zoonotic diseases.

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• Diploma in Agriculture, Animal Science or a related field from a recognized agricultural or related institutionwith approximately two to three years relevant experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in ruminant animal production and operation of relevant equipment, utilizing best management practices in a dynamic environment with high standards and deliverables, a proven safety record, and a commitment to complete additional training and certification as identified to meet and maintain animal care, operations and facility standards and requirements.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft 365, smart phone applications and technology with the demonstrated ability to adopt and use automated equipment and components relevant to agricultural operations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Strong initiative and judgement, organizational, time management and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Valid Class 5 NS driver’s license.
• Meet above average physical demands including but not limitedto performing repetitive and physically demanding tasks, continuous walking on hard surfaces, and regularly lifting up to 25 kg.
  
  

Assets

• Undergraduate degree in Animal Science or a related field.
• Condition 15 endorsement on drivers’ license.
• Certification in lift truck, fall protection and/or bovine artificial insemination, WHMIS 2015, first aid.
  
  

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

• Self-Awareness & Professionalism
• Integrity
• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
  
  

Additional Information

Application Consideration

Applications from university employees and external candidates are given concurrent consideration. Among short listed candidates, university employees will be given special consideration.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here .

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies One

Open Date 10/20/2026

Close Date 10/27/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/22366