Technician, Plant Growth Facilities

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Canada is seeking a Technician for the Plant Growth Facilities team. This role involves supporting day-to-day operations in greenhouse environments, ensuring optimal plant health, and maintaining clean facilities. Ideal candidates exhibit strong attention to detail and previous experience in plant care. The position offers a salary between $15.35 - $21.12 per hour with opportunities for extension.

Qualifications

• Previous hands-on experience in plant care, farming, or greenhouse work is a strong asset.
• Ability to work in hot/humid conditions and perform physical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare pots, trays, soil/media, and labels for plant experiments.
• Assist with seeding, watering, monitoring, and harvesting of plants.
• Monitor plant health, pest, and disease conditions.
• Support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of greenhouse and growth chamber spaces.

Skills

Attention to detail

Basic knowledge of plant biology

Independent and collaborative work

Strong communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Overview

The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) is an expanding Institute based at the University of Saskatchewan. GIFS works to discover, develop, and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food. Our values are 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

Additional Details

• 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: 8:30am-4:30pm, 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

Equity and Inclusion

The University of Saskatchewan is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and aims to create a welcoming environment where all individuals can thrive. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged.