Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title
Greenhouse Research Assistant/Technician 3
Department
Plant Care Research Support | Plant Care Services
Compensation Range
$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
February 23, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Mar 2, 2026
This is a full-time, one-year term position posted for a leave replacement.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
Provides technical and administrative support as part of a team providing research services in two greenhouses and a field station. More specifically, responsible for leading and supporting integrated pest management strategies, creation of a crop database, execution of day-to-day operations and ensuring safety in greenhouses. Day to day operations in greenhouse include consultation with users, general facility care, sanitation, maintenance of equipment, setup of experiments, outdoor work, training users, assistance in field operation if needed. Administrative support includes supervision of students working in the greenhouse and the distribution of their tasks, maintenance of the crop database, and ordering and invoicing, as needed.
Organizational Status
Plant Care Services is a shared research platform funded in part by the VPRI Office and Faculties of Science, Forestry and Land and Food Systems. It offers greenhouse and field services to UBC researchers and external users. It comprises two research greenhouses, one located on the main campus and one located on South Campus along with a research field station. The research technician will assist the Research Platform Manager in delivering excellent and timely services to researchers, organize work in research greenhouses in an efficient manner and support field operations. The incumbent will work closely with, and receive supervision from the Research Platform Manager and work collaboratively and enthusiastically with the field technician, another greenhouse technician and users of both the greenhouse and field facilities.

Work Performed

• Responsible for the integrated pest management program in place in the greenhouses. Manages greenhouse entomology and pathology and insures crop health and safety for various projects.
• Collaborates with colleagues to ensure timely service to researchers in two greenhouses and one field station.
• Supports greenhouse and field users and assists with the progress of projects. Supports individual requests from researchers.
• Demonstrates greenhouse techniques, and assists faculty, students, and staff with greenhouse procedures.-Assists with nutrient recipes, coordinating lab tests for water testing and the dispersal biologicals controls, determining need and timing of pesticide applications, and ensures all supplies are available for users.
• Assists with the set up of new experiments and the take down of experimental material once the research is finished.
• Ensures safe operation of greenhouse and field equipment.
• Supports field operations upon request and attends to researchers’ needs.
• Gives orientations to new users and plans daily activities for work learn students.
• Responsible for researching cultivation techniques, pathology and entomology of new research plant species.
• Works to develop new crop profiles and ensures that they are current and updated regularly.
• Insures proper maintenance and sanitation of facilities.
• Identifies and reports potential hazards for visitors and staff.
• Stays informed of pesticide regulations and registrations and ensures all pest management labels and SDS sheets are current.
• Insures the overall safety of plants and performs any corrective actions and treatments.
• Provides tours for classes and groups as requested. Assists with the set-up of the facility for new research projects or coursework.
• Performs other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of the positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position demands independent judgement and planning skills to properly support the demands of the research user groups and to support integrated pest management strategies. Poor management will hinder the completion of research within the deadlines. Familiarity with horticulture production is essential for making the appropriate recommendations for users. Familiarity with the safe usage of field equipment is essential to support field operations. Errors in recommendations or judgment can jeopardize research, delay thesis completion or prevent it altogether. This will reflect negatively on Plant Care Services, affect its reputation and that of the University.
Supervision Received
Works independently under general supervision by the Research Platform Manager. Receives detailed instructions on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established policy and procedure.
Supervision Given
Assists with supervising work learn students and provides guidance and training to various undergraduate and graduate students involved in the research projects.
Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 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

• Experience in greenhouse production or greenhouse-based research with a focus on integrated pest management.
• Experience with database management.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management in greenhouse environments as well as of Priva and Argus operating systems.
• A valid Landscape - IPM BC Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate.
• Must be a self starter and work independently.
• Organizational and time management skills, experience with spreadsheets and/or database software, working knowledge of MS Office suite, experience working on different projects, great ability to work independently as well as an engaged team member and willingness to assist others as needed are all assets for this position.
• Demonstrated knowledge of equipment and mechanical maintenance is required.
• Farm equipment experience and farm management is an asset as well as knowledge of UBC policies and procedures.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide quality service to researchers and various user groups in a courteous, patient manner.
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion.
• Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures including crop profiles.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and to communicate in a clear, attentive, and polite manner.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, determine implications, and provide recommendations.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities and take initiative.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job. e.g., heavy lifting - up to 70lbs, standing, operating tractor, ability to work outdoors in all weather.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.

Please refer the Job description for details