Greenhouse and Field Research Assistant

Job Summary

Responsible for technical activities and record keeping at the Totem Field Station and South Campus greenhouse belonging to Plant Care Services. Supervises work-learn students in greenhouse and provides technical guidance to all staff and students at the Totem Field Station. Ensure excellent conditions and support for the researchers with respect to their scientific experiments. Performs technical duties involving all aspects of greenhouse and field work including growing crops, early detection of pests, biological and chemical pest control and maintaining equipment and supplies using clearly defined procedures. Oversees maintenance of equipment, ordering of supplies and solves all infrastructure issues including programming of greenhouse climate control systems and Rain Bird irrigation software. Oversees and coordinates space for research projects taking place at Totem Field by carefully organizing resources and optimizing use of space. Makes technical recommendations. Ensures security of staff and users at all times.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Plant Care Services Research Manager. Will provide supervision to work-learn students in greenhouses and technical guidance to technical staff at Totem Field Station. Will provide updates to Platform Manager concerning the operations of Totem Field Station. Works with a variety of internal and external users. Plant Care Services is a shared research platform of the VP Research & Innovation portfolio.

Work Performed

• Troubleshoots complex automated software and hardware systems regulating climate control for heating, lighting, venting and CO2 enrichment within Plant Care Services housing dozens of different projects at any given time.

• Ensures safe operation of all greenhouse and field equipment at South Campus greenhouse and Totem field.

• Oversees proper irrigation and fertilization of plants, excellent monitoring of pests, safe handling of chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides and biological control agents, climate control including temperature, lighting, ventilation and shading.

• Oversees record keeping for scientific research data acquisition.

• Diagnoses symptoms of environmental stress and applies appropriate remediation strategies.

• Demonstrates greenhouse techniques and trains graduate and undergraduate students and staff.

• Oversees instruction and training to all new users at the Totem Field location.

• Develops standard operation procedures for the greenhouse.

• Develops experiment protocols and safety procedures.

• Determines work procedures based on daily needs, and allocates tasks at the Totem Field Station.

• Allocates and coordinates the use of space and oversees the progress of projects at Totem Field Station.

• Works with platform manager to address emergency situations.

• Prepares invoices for Totem Field Station and sends information to Platform Manager.

• Orders equipment and supplies as per requirement for various projects and allocates costs to individual users of Totem Field Station.

• Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The efficient administration of research facilities such as those at the Main Campus and South Campus greenhouses and Totem Field Station is vital to the VPRI portfolio and researchers from the Faculties of Science, Forestry and Land and Food Systems as well as other users. Close attention to technical details on a routine basis is critical for the maintenance of research plant material in highly-controlled greenhouse or field environments.

Supervision Received
Receives general supervision from Plant Care Services Research Manager.

Supervision Given
Supervises work-learn and volunteer students at the greenhouse facilities and staff and students at the field facility.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Relevant field experience and experience in greenhouse production is preferred.

Possession of a valid B.C. Pesticide Applicator Certificate is required.

Broad-based experience with or interest in plant cultivation and equipment associated with greenhouse and field work.

Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal communication, time management and organizational skills.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Argus and Priva climate control software.

Ability to lead a team.

Ability to work soundly independently and in a team environment.