Fruit Germplasm Coordinator, College of Agriculture & Bioresources

Fruit Germplasm Coordinator, College of Agriculture & Bioresources

Primary Purpose: The University of Saskatchewan Fruit Program invites applications for a fruit germplasm manager position in the USask horticulture group under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Anže Švara. This is a two-year full-time term position (2026-2028) with a possibility of extension for another year. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in adding value to the impact of horticulture programs while elevating the global recognition of the diverse northern germplasm at USask. This unique germplasm has been in high demand globally and the fruit program is the northernmost breeding program in North America. This position would elevate and streamline the development and maintenance of a world-class germplasm collection, enabling cutting-edge horticulture research, breeding, and outreach while adding value to horticulture classes. The manager would have opportunity to work alongside the existing staff and students to enable knowledge transfer at the intersection of teaching, science, industry, and outreach fostering collaborations with national and international institutions, companies, growers, and local communities. Beyond technical responsibilities, this position offers professional growth through publications and extension activities ( Ag in motion, horticulture days, fruit day, plant sales, grafting, budding and pruning workshops, fruit fundraisers, etc.), while contributing to innovation and knowledge transfer benefiting both academia and the horticulture industry

Nature of Work: The Horticulture Field Facility is located on the University of Saskatchewan main campus, 2909 14th St. E., Saskatoon, SK, Canada and is composed of approximately 30 hectares of land, the majority of which is dedicated to perennial fruit crops. During spring, summer, and fall, this position will mainly be focused on field tasks, data collection, and only partially on administrative, education, and extension tasks. During the winter season, most of the activities will be conducted indoors, focusing on plant inventory development, propagation, digitalization of germplasm and breeding records, outreach, education, and administration. A minor part of the work will be conducted outdoors focusing on checking orchards, plant health and protection.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Lead the maintenance and cataloguing of diverse fruit germplasm collections, including: Haskap Saskatoon berry Sour cherry Pome fruits Hazelnuts Grapes Other northern‑adapted crops
• Oversee supporting infrastructure related to germplasm collections.
• Improve and manage plant maintenance systems, including: Systematic orchard rejuvenation (pruning, propagating, planting, removing accessions) Mechanical, chemical, and manual weeding
• Ensure plant health through appropriate plant protection strategies.
• Establish and maintain essential plant infrastructure (trellises, irrigation systems, fences).
• Implement and manage a digital plant‑traceability and data‑collection system to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Support program activities through: Basic plant management Registration trials Collecting and shipping plant material Compliance with biosecurity standards and intellectual property agreements
• Collaborate with research technicians, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduate students participating in USask Fruit Program projects.
• Contribute to educational, extension, and outreach initiatives such as: Field days Workshops Fundraising events Fruit‑related courses Industry‑driven demonstration projects
• Act as a team player, supporting research and community engagement through work that showcases program innovations and expertise.

Education:

• Degree in horticulture (or a closely related field).
• Availability to begin work in the first half of 2026.

Licenses:

• Valid pesticide applicator license, or the ability to obtain one.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.

Experience:

• Experience in fruit plant and orchard maintenance and field research is preferred.
• Experience with operating field machinery is an asset.
• Demonstrated practical experience and hands‑on skills working with fruit crops.

Skills:

• Strong proficiency in English and basic computational/digital skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, while meeting tight deadlines.
• Capacity to perform physical work in field, greenhouse, laboratory, and computer‑based environments.