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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

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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 support to research greenhouses and field station belonging to Plant Care Services. Support includes consultation with users, day-to-day operations and administrative tasks. Support for day to day operations include maintenance of equipment, horticultural tasks including outdoor work, training users, general facility care. Administrative tasks include distribution of tasks in greenhouses, ordering supplies, invoicing. ,

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

Plant Care Services is a shared platform  of the VPRI Office.  It l 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 the Totem Field Station. The research technician will assist the e Research Platform Manager in delivering excellent services to plant researchers, organize work in research greenhouses and support field operations.  The incumbent will work closely with, and receive supervision from the Research Platform Manager and work collaboratively with the field technician and users of both the greenhouse and field facilities.

WORK PERFORMED

- Responsible for the scheduling and assignment of greenhouse space to allow for the maximum utilization of resources..

- 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, ordering, and coordinating the dispersal biologicals controls, determining pesticide applications, and ensures all supplies are available for users.

- Ensures safe operation of greenhouse and field equipment.

- Supports field operations upon request and attends to researchers’ needs.

-Works to develop new relevant greenhouse SOP’s and ensures they are updated and available for staff and student use.

- Insures proper maintenance and sanitation of facilities. Identifies and reports potential hazards for visitors and staff.

- Responsible for signaling any need for infrastructure service or repair.  Attends to any emergency that impacts research work at the greenhouse and works with Building operations and service providers to resolve matters as soon as possible.

-. -Gives orientations to new users and plans daily activities for staff and work learn students.

- - Orders greenhouse equipment and supplies as per requirements for various projects.

. -Prepares invoices and sends information to the Research Platform  Manager.

- 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

 This position demands independent judgement and planning skills to properly support the demands of the research user groups. 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 can jeopardize research and thus delay thesis completion or prevent it altogether. This will reflect negatively on Plant Care Services and the University.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works independently under general supervision; consulting with the Platform Research 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 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
Completed a Bachelor degree in Plant Science, Biology or related fields preferred. Experience in greenhouse production or greenhouse-based research. A valid (Landscape - IPM) BC Pesticide Applicator's Certificate.  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 as a team member and willingness to assist others as needed are all assets for this position. Demonstrated knowledge of equipment and mechanical maintenance is required.. Knowledge of UBC policies and procedures an asset. 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 work effectively independently and in a team environment. Ability to exercise tact and discretion. Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures including SOP s. 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.