He joined the staff of the university soil science department in 1968 as a department assistant. He became an assistant professor in 1969 and a full professor and extension specialist in 1980.

Les did extensive research on irrigation and the potassium requirements of crops. This showed the way to increased production. His research on the underlying cause of soil salinity provided a major breakthrough in the management of saline soils.

He has authored and co-authored more than 100 papers on soil science. He has been a regular contributor to the newspaper Grainews for many years, providing advice on sound agronomic practices. Recently he wrote and had published a book, "Henry's Handbook of Soil and Water." This is useful for producers concerned with soils management and irrigation.

Les was an outstanding extension worker, making his knowledge available to rural meetings across the province. There are few people who have travelled farther doing extension work in Saskatchewan . He has been a popular choice as a resource person for agricultural seminars and conferences across the west.

In 1985 Les received the Agronomy Merit Medal provided by Western Cooperative Fertilizers. In 1989 he was named a Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada. For 1989-90 he was named Professor of the Year by the Agricultural Students Association, and in 1994 he was given an honorary life membership in the Canadian Society of Extension.

Respected by his peers, Les has served as president of the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists and the Saskatchewan Agricultural Graduates Association.

In recent years Les authored and published a book on Eaton houses constructed on the Prairies. He is also a private and environmental consultant and farmer.