Technician, Plant Growth Facilities

Global Institute for Food Security; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural research institution in Canada is seeking a Technician to support greenhouse operations. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and attention to detail. Responsibilities include monitoring plant health and assisting with various technical tasks. This full-time position offers a salary between $15.35 and $21.12 per hour based on experience.

Qualifications

• Previous hands-on experience in plant care, farming, or greenhouse work is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day technical operations of greenhouse and growth chamber environments.
• Prepare pots, trays, soil/media for plant experiments.
• Monitor plant health, pest, and disease conditions.
• Engage in continuous professional development.

Skills

Strong attention to detail

Ability to follow instructions precisely

Basic knowledge of plant biology

Ability to work independently

Comfortable working in hot/humid conditions

Strong communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) is a rapidly expanding Institute based at the University of Saskatchewan. Our Vision is a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food. This is a bold vision, one that we will strive to achieve through investing in our talent. In line with our Mission, we will work with our employees, partners, and stakeholders to discover, develop, and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food.

We are guided by our Values of: Innovation. Excellence. Collaboration. Integrity. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Primary Purpose

As a key member of the Plant Growth Facilities (PGF) team, the Technician is responsible for supporting the day‑to‑day technical operations of greenhouse and growth chamber environments. The role focuses on ensuring optimal plant health and consistent experimental conditions to support projects and collaborations.

Nature of the Work

Reporting to the PGF Plant Care Manager, this role involves hands‑on plant care and facility support across various controlled environments. The Technician must be proactive, detail‑oriented, and capable of adhering to protocols. The position operates within a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment and requires coordination with diverse teams and technology platforms within GIFS.

Accountabilities

• Prepare pots, trays, soil/media, and labels for plant experiments
• Assist with seeding, watering, monitoring, and harvesting of plants
• Clean and process seeds (count, weigh); maintain accurate seed data records
• Monitor plant health, pest, and disease conditions
• Support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies under direction of the Plant Care Manager
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of greenhouse and growth chamber spaces
• Assist with growth spaces sanitation
• Track inventory and communicate supply needs to the PGF Lead
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions and other operational issues
• Assist with implementation and compliance of standard operating procedures and safety protocols, including use of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Foster collaboration by interfacing across GIFS
• Engage in continuous professional development and participate in relevant training opportunities
• Perform duties as assigned by PGF Plant Care Manager and/or Lead

Qualifications

• High school diploma required – training will be provided. Previous hands‑on experience in plant care, farming, or greenhouse work is a strong asset

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions precisely
• Basic knowledge of plant biology, pests/diseases, and greenhouse management is considered an asset
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment
• Comfortable working in hot/humid conditions and performing physical tasks (e.g., lifting up to 25 lbs, repetitive bending/standing)
• Familiarity with greenhouse automation, sensors, or irrigation systems is an asset
• Strong communication and record‑keeping skills

Department: Global Institute for Food Security

Supervisor Job Title: Platform Lead, Plant Growth Facilities

Status: Term 3 yrs with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent

Employment Group: Research Positions – Non‑union

Shift: 8:30 am–4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (37.5 hrs per week)

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $15.35 – 21.12 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 1

Posted Date: 10/29/2025

Closing Date: 11/18/2025

Number of Openings: 1

Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity‑deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.

We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.

The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.