Integrated Weed Management Specialist

Applying for a Job

As a global leader in student-managed learning opportunities, we are committed to developing leaders at Lakeland College. It’s something we excel at because of our exceptional team. Their passion and commitment to academic excellence, innovation and achievement is what sets Lakeland apart, as an educator and an employer. Join our team and be part of helping our students take the lead not only into the future, but today.

Key Responsibilities

Lakeland College strives to be a national post-secondary leader in applied research and extension that drives innovation and excellence in commercial agriculture and student learning. The Department of Applied Research at Lakeland College is inviting applications for a Specialist in Integrated Weed Management to join our growing crop applied research team. Reporting to the Dean of Applied Research and under the guidance of an industry advisory committee, the successful candidate will be expected to develop a program that includes 60% extension activities and 40% applied research as well as related administrative responsibilities. The position, based in Vermilion, will be part of the Lakeland College crop research team that includes three (3) other crop scientists focused on cereal, canola, and pulse and special crops. It will also work collaboratively across disciplines with other scientists and faculty at the college.

The successful candidate will have the vision and proven qualifications to build a successful collaborative and externally funded research and extension program that aligns with the Western Canada crop industry priorities. The successful candidate will work closely with industry partners including Alberta Grains, Alberta Pulse Growers, Alberta Canola Producers Commission, and Results Driven Agriculture Research in developing and managing their extension activities and applied research program. In that regard, they will be expected to implement innovative extension education activities and disseminate scientifically sound research results through industry communications.

Specific responsibilities include: Building connections directly with producers and industries across Alberta’s dryland production areas to understand the weed issues facing Alberta’s producers and develop impactful integrated weed management solutions; Preparing timely learning and decision-support materials for integrated weed management; Co-developing projects under the mentorship of Western Canadian weed-science experts, serving initially as a site cooperator, collaborator and with sufficient experience, as project lead; Providing timely and effective technology transfer, which may take the format of a network of demonstrations across the province, associated field days and as a contributor to the Lakeland Crop Diagnostic Annual field day.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of MSc in Weed Ecology, Weed Science, or closely related discipline;

• Proven ability to communicate with scientific, industry, and producer audiences;

• Record of knowledge dissemination to farmer and industry audiences;

• Strong knowledge of weed biology, ecology, and integrated agronomic management strategies;

• Demonstrated knowledge of applied agronomic research design, and implementation to solve current and future issues that will impact dryland agriculture throughout Alberta;

• Demonstrated interdisciplinary teamwork and interactive communication skills;

• Experience with HQP supervision.

• Professional experience in Western Canadian field crop, weed science, cropping system and commercial field agronomy would be an asset;

Keys to Your Success

• Self-motivated; ability to engage with industry and deliver relevant applied research; professional accountability.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude; ability to lead and motivate others and be committed to collaboration.

Additional Information

This is a full-time term position with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027 and ending March 31, 2030, with possibility of extension. The term will include a 1-year probationary period and salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Interested candidates should submit a Resume/Curriculum Vitae, Cover letter, Statement of research and extension interest and 3 samples of relevant technology transfer publications aimed at producer audiences.

Competition will remain open until filled but review of the application will begin on December 7, 2026. All resumes are to be submitted electronically on our website www.Lakelandcollege.ca

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Those selected for an interview will be contacted.