Western Feedlots Ltd. is an Alberta company with core operations of cattle ownership, management and feeding in three feedlot locations. Western started in 1958 and has grown to a standing capacity of 100,000 head. Today’s business operations also consist of a number of ancillary business units including commodity trading, finance, production research, software development, cattle management services, trucking and more.
Western is recognized internationally for leadership in development of production, management and marketing strategies. For implementation of leading edge technologies and production systems, Western’s 100 employees are rich with advanced science, production and agribusiness credentials and find Western a rewarding, professional career choice.
We offer competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package and offer growth and development of our employees.
If you value a respectful, proud, team orientated environment within a very unique "Western Culture", we encourage you to consider the following career opportunities:
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(postings revised July 3 2008)
Field Research Manager
Duties/Responsibilities: Supports and supplements objectives of the Western Feedlots Ltd. Research and Production Technologies strategic plan through delivery of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques associated with leading and coordinating field research projects. Collaborates with the GMR in the detailed and systematic planning of project objectives, scope, resource needs, action steps, milestones, and quantifiable anticipated results for field research trials, and ensures that all material necessary for conducting field research experiments are prepared properly and on time. Provides data summary and analysis support when data collection has been completed for any given field research trial. Operates and maintains complex equipment in support of field research trials. May have limited accountability for overseeing and/or directing/training the work of others. Is responsible for writing experimental reports, summaries and protocols. Coordinates timelines and assists in the reallocation of project resources. Takes action to ensure good field practices are followed. Solve problems while assisting with research experiments.
Job Description: Supports the objectives of the Research & Production Technologies department by managing research materials and methods, research trial data collection and summary, compiling final reports, and contributing to the creative process associated with large-scale beef feedlot research.
Key Result Areas:
1. Research Materials and Methods: When conducting proper commercial field research multiple documents aimed at defining the potential value of the research trial and outlining research materials and methods are needed to aid in conducting the research trial. Examples of research materials and methods documents are listed below:
a) Literature review and high level CBA of the research trial
b) Study overview and objectives
c) Sorting and allocation protocols
2. Research Trial Data Collection: Important data points will be defined for each trial prior to trial initiation in the Research Materials and Methods documents. It will be the responsibility of the Field Research Manager to ensure the defined set of data points are collected during the trial period.
3. Research Trial Data Summary: When final data collection has been completed for a research trial, all data need to be compiled, audited for accuracy, and summarized in a standardized fashion suitable for statistical analysis. The Field Research Manager will be responsible for developing the standardized procedures for data summary and will assist the GMR with building appropriate statistical models for analyzing the summarized data sets for each completed research trial.
4. Completed Research Trial Binder: A research trial will not be considered completed until a research binder has been completed which includes all research materials and methods documents, trial notes that have been recorded during the trial, final data summary and analysis, and a final report describing the important finding(s) of the research trial. The Field Research Manager will be responsible for compiling all materials needed for the Completed Research Trial Binder.
5. Creative Contribution: In support of the GMR and the Research & Production Technologies department, the Field Research Manager will be expected to contribute to the creative thought process associated with identification of new research opportunities. The Field Research Manager should be an active contributor to new knowledge creation.
Qualifications: The Field Research Manager must posses the following skills and qualifications.
• Masters degree in Animal Science or a related field is required
• Strong analytical skills and knowledge of metrics and measurement in beef cattle production
• Intermediate computer skill and capabilities are essential, including proficiency in MS Excel, MS Work, and MS Access
• Ability to learn and execute the required protocols and techniques for research trials
• Strong organizational, time management and communication skills
• Show initiative, persistence, creativity, and ability to work independently and as a team
Expected Results: The following qualities will be present in the Field Research Manager if Key Result Areas are being met in each topic area:
1. Completed research will have proper documentation of the materials and methods, with the detail of description suitable for publication. Completed research will have proper data collection and summary to ensure validity of results.
2. All final reports will be completed in executive summary form. At times, final research reports will be completed to a level suitable for publication with the expectation that the Field Research Manger will have the opportunity to publish in referred journals when and where appropriate.
3. The Field Research Manger will be an effective public speaker by providing research updates to feedlot staff .
4. The Field Research Manager will be capable of taking a research projection from conception to completion with limited assistance from the GMR.
5. The Field Research Manager will be a strong contributor to knowledge creation and generation at Western Feedlots Ltd.
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General Manager of Operations
Western Feedlots Ltd. has an immediate opening for a General Manager of Operations (GMO) based in High River, Alberta.
Key Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic and high energy management team responsible for the operational management of multiple world class cattle feeding and management facilities. Included in this responsibility, the GMO will take the leadership role in all aspects of process management surrounding feedlot operations, cattle feeding, farming operations, nutrient and soil fertility management, environmental & regulatory compliance management, safety program administration project management, heavy duty equipment management, as well as employee hiring, training and performance management of the Operations Managers.
Qualifications:
As a successful candidate, you should possess a minimum of a post secondary degree or diploma, preferably in Agriculture, Forestry, Business Management or related program, and a minimum of 5 years experience in process and people management. Ideally, you would have a strong production background. A demonstrated mechanical aptitude would also be considered an asset. As a natural leader, you would possess exceptional skills in communication and interpersonal relationships, with a demonstrated ability to analyze, plan, develop and implement programs. You would also have a strong desire and ability to work in a fast paced and progressive environment.
Compensation:
This position includes a competitive wage and benefit package commensurate with qualifications and experience. A company vehicle will also be supplied.
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General Manager of Cattle Operations (GMC)
Western Feedlots Ltd. is looking for a future leader in the exciting and global field of Agri-business.
Key Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic and high energy management team responsible for the operational management of a dynamic cattle production program. Included in this responsibility, the GMC will take a leadership role in processes surrounding cattle production management, cattle marketing management, related data management, cattle department employee training and performance management as well as working with other General Managers on joint projects.
Qualifications:
As a successful candidate, you should possess a minimum of a post secondary degree or diploma, preferably in Agriculture, Business or a related program. Ideally, you would have a strong agricultural background with a good understanding of both cattle and modern beef and/or swine production and marketing practices. Demonstrated expertise in business management, risk management and in data management associated with research would also be considered assets.
As a natural leader, you would possess exceptional skills in communication and interpersonal relationships, with a demonstrated ability to analyze, plan, develop and implement programs with and through other people. The GMC would also have a strong desire and ability to work in a fast paced and progressive environment.
Compensation:
This position includes a competitive wage and benefit package commensurate with qualifications and experience. A company vehicle will also be supplied.
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Feedlot Operations Manager
Key Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be responsible for the operational management of a large cattle feeding and management facility. The Operations Manager will take a leadership role at our Strathmore facility and be responsible for operational organization, process management and scheduling, staff management and supervision, safety management, work scheduling, heavy equipment management, cost management, employee training and performance management, as well as maintenance and upkeep of the facility.
Qualifications:
As a successful candidate you will preferably have a post secondary degree or diploma in Agriculture or related area. Ideally you will have a strong agricultural background with a good understanding of farming and cattle production. You will have strong mechanical and organizational skills. The successful candidate will also possess good written and verbal communication skills. You will also be required to have strong interpersonal skills and be able to relate and interact with all staff within the company.
Compensation:
This position includes a competitive wage and benefit package commensurate with qualifications and experience. A company vehicle will also be supplied.
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Document Writer – Okotoks AB
The primary responsibility of the position will be to write design documentation and requirements documentation.
The successful candidate will be part of a development team currently creating a comprehensive object oriented integrated application. Once complete, you will become a key member of an IT group responsible for future ongoing development of the end product.
Responsibilities include:
Required Technical and other skills:
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Documentation Writing Skills
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Familiarity with a Windows environment
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Comfortable with the Microsoft Office suite
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Excellent communication skills: verbal, written, presentation, discussion
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Ability to work in a team environment
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Ability to work in a fast pace & progressive environment
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Time management and organizational skills
Technical and other skills that would be considered an asset:
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SQL Server experience
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Experience with source control software
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Ability with creating test plans, test cases and test scripts
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Testing experience
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Full Time Pen Riders/Health Crew
High River & Mossleigh Locations
• Sick identification – daily monitoring of cattle in pens
• Treatment – follow protocols as prescribed by Veterinarians.
• Cattle movement – return cattle to pens from hospital, also retrieve any strays from alleys and return to proper pens
• Computer – enter daily records and pull reports
• Maintenance – ensure barns and horse facilities are kept clean and in good repair
Basic Skills:
• Ability to assess health status of cattle
• Horsemanship – provide an adequately trained horse handled in a manner that does not cause undo stress to the cattle or co-workers
• Cattle handling abilities – work cattle safely, humanely and efficiently