Battle River Research Group Job Opportunity
Battle River Research Group is seeking a Manager to lead our innovative Research & Extension team
About BRRG
The Battle River Research Group (BRRG) is a dynamic, independent, producer-driven organization dedicated to improving agriculture through research and extension. Formed in 1993, we serve the east-central region of Alberta, including the counties of Paintearth, Stettler, Camrose, Beaver, and Flagstaff. Our mission is to advance agriculture through innovation, research, and education. We conduct small-plot research and provide valuable insights for regional producers, ensuring the agricultural economy continues to thrive.
Position Summary
We are seeking a Manager to lead our team in achieving BRRG’s vision of innovation and sustainability in agriculture. The Manager will oversee day-to-day operations, direct research and educational programs, secure funding, and ensure the delivery of valuable resources to producers. The ideal candidate will have strong management experience, grant writing skills, and a solid understanding of agriculture in Western Canada.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Oversight:
- Provide strategic guidance to the BRRG team, which includes two full-time staff
(Research Lead and Extension Lead), a part-time bookkeeper, and up to four
summer students. - Oversee and manage research projects, educational programs, and events.
- Collaborate with staff to ensure the successful implementation of research and
extension initiatives. - Maintain responsibility for the office, shop, and yard, which BRRG owns and
partially rents out.
- Provide strategic guidance to the BRRG team, which includes two full-time staff
- Grant Writing & Financial Management:
- Lead the grant writing process, applying for key funding, including the annual
RDAR grant and other research and project grants. - Secure additional funding through various sources such as provincial and federal
grants (e.g., Canada Summer Jobs). - Manage the organization's budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and reporting to
the board. - Maintain strong financial reserves by ensuring sustainable funding and prudent
fiscal management.
- Lead the grant writing process, applying for key funding, including the annual
- Research & Development:
- Identify regional producers' needs and collaborate with specialists and research
scientists to develop research-based solutions. - Guide staff in the design, execution, and reporting of small-plot research projects
and larger on farm demonstrations. - Work with local farmers and landowners to secure land for research projects,
typically 5-6 acres.
- Identify regional producers' needs and collaborate with specialists and research
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain relationships with municipalities, industry, university/college,
Ag Canada research groups, and governmental agencies. - Represent BRRG through presentations to municipal councils, provincial
ministers, and other stakeholders. - Identify relevant topics for educational programs and secure expert speakers on
key agricultural issues (e.g., animal nutrition).
- Build and maintain relationships with municipalities, industry, university/college,
- Communication & Reporting:
- Prepare and present annual reports, grant applications, and other necessary
documentation. - Oversee the creation of blog content, newsletters, and other communication
channels to engage and inform regional producers. - Report regularly to the board of directors on the organization's progress and
challenges.
- Prepare and present annual reports, grant applications, and other necessary
Qualifications
- Education:
- Master’s degree in Agriculture or a related field (PhD preferred). A PhD will lend
credibility to funding applications and enhance grant writing success.
- Master’s degree in Agriculture or a related field (PhD preferred). A PhD will lend
- Experience:
- Minimum 1-3 years of management experience in a research or agricultural
setting. - Extensive experience in grant writing and securing funding for research projects.
- Experience with small-plot research and knowledge of agricultural practices in
Western Canada is essential.
- Minimum 1-3 years of management experience in a research or agricultural
- Skills & Attributes:
- Strong leadership and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage diverse responsibilities, from budgeting to guiding research
projects. - Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to collaborate with local producers, board members, program/project
partners, and external stakeholders. - A solid understanding of crop production, livestock management, and
environmental farm planning.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with farming is an asset, though not required.
- Familiarity with the agricultural challenges and needs of the east-central Alberta region.
Location:
4804 43 Ave, Forestburg, AB T0B 1N0 (ON-SITE)
Compensation:
$85k - $95k annual base salary.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates can submit their resume and cover letter to
recruitment.battleriverresearch@gmail.com.
Application Deadline:
The posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Join BRRG in advancing agriculture through independent, producer-driven research and
help shape the future of the agricultural economy in East Central Alberta!
www.battleriverresearch.com