Alberta Grains Commission is the amalgamated commission formed by joining the Alberta Barley and the Alberta Wheat Commissions. Alberta Grains is committed to advancing and promoting the interests of 18,000 wheat and barley farmers in the province of Alberta. We continue to foster innovation, research and development, and sustainability in the agriculture sector. By bringing together the best of both commissions, our aim is to leverage the combined resources, knowledge and experience to deliver unparalleled value to farmers.

We are looking for a talented individual to join Alberta Grains in the full-time role of Research Project Manager, reporting to the Director of Research, Extension, and Agronomy. This role will be responsible for the administration, coordination, and management of Alberta Grains funded projects. They will work closely with co-funders and researchers to ensure collaborative and successful funding of projects that align with Alberta Grains' priorities. They will participate in provincial-level research committees and working groups including the Ag Funding Consortium and Ag Development Fund.

Job Type: This is a full-time role with the ability to work remotely up to two days a week.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Research Project Management

• Develop and maintain records and processes related to Letters of Intent (LOIs) and research proposal submissions, approvals and rejections, research agreements and amendments, contract compliance, progress and final reports, Board motions, co-funders, and others as required
• Maintain and track research funding commitments through spreadsheets and in-house software and provide summaries and reports upon request
• Track funding payments and prepare requisitions for research project payments as per reporting timelines specified in project agreements
• Act as lead support for the Research Committee through the development of material packages, minute-taking, scheduling, draft board funding decisions, as well as other needs
• Work with the Director and the Agronomy Extension team, Research Committee and Board to identify research proposals that align with the goals and priorities of Alberta Grains
• Engage the research and extension team regarding the funding process to assist with reviewing proposals
• Provide information to the finance team as necessary related to year-end audit and Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED)
• Lead external technical review process for research project funding evaluations
• Lead contact and process management for Alberta Grains within the Agriculture Funding Consortium (AFC) program, and other funding programs as assigned
• Work with the Director and the Agronomy Extension team to assist with the development of research priorities through producer engagement

1. Financial administration

• Work directly with the Director on all things budgetary
• Review and update year-end fiscal information related to research portfolio, for review by the Director and Executive Director
• Assist the Director of Finance as required regarding research project financial administration, tracking and payments

1. Internal and external communicative collaboration

• Prepare and submit executive summary reports upon completion of research projects
• Prepare summaries of research proposals and project updates for research committee and extension staff
• Engage with the Agronomy Extension team to assist with the development of research project extension plans
• Manage and deliver scholarships to students
• Engage with communications and events team to develop articles, and producer-facing materials
• Work with the communications and events staff on planning and coordinating research events, including relevant conferences, regional meetings, etc.
• Give research presentations both internally and externally, as required
• Participate in trade shows and research events, as required
• Participate in provincial-level research-related committees, as required
• Assist to back up other staff members in their absence as requested by the Director or Executive Director
• Represent Alberta Grains at industry events
• Adhere to Board decisions and Alberta Grains policies and procedures
• Other duties as required

Experience and qualifications:

• Degree in agriculture or related science program or equivalent experience (A Master's degree is preferred)
• Three to five years research experience
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Superior communication, written and oral presentation skills
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and planning skills
• Openness to learn and collaborate as a team member
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office as well as the ability to learn and adapt to new computer software
• A passion for agriculture and working in a diverse, flexible and team-based environment
• Knowledge of Canadian Agriculture and the barley and wheat industry
• Firm understanding of agricultural research and project management
• Experience developing and implementing projects and programs
• Ability to travel for business, as required (~20% travel)

What we offer:

• Competitive base salary
• 3 weeks' annual vacation (moving to 4 weeks after 4 full years of service)
• 6 paid sick days each year
• Employer paid Group Benefits including Life Insurance, AD&D, Health and Dental (Short- and Long-Term Disability premiums are paid for by the employee), eligible after 3 months of employment
• Matched RRSP program of up to 5% of base salary, eligible after 3 months of employment

Alberta Grains supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.