Research Technician, Environmental Horticulture

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) is recruiting for a Research Technician, Environmental Horticulture, Soil to work in an industry-driven research environment. Vineland is a uniquely Canadian results-oriented organization dedicated to horticulture science and innovation.

Vineland is situated on treaty lands. These lands are steeped in the rich history of the First Nations including the Hatiwendaronk, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Many First Nations, Métis and Inuit people from across Turtle Island live and work in Niagara today. Vineland stands with all Indigenous people, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live. As treaty people, residents and caretakers, we are committed to continuous learning and a deep respect for Indigenous people, culture and history.

Vineland’s mission is to deliver innovative products and production solutions addressing the needs of the horticulture industry and advancing Canada’s research and commercialization agenda. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization, funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Our people are the most important asset in achieving our goals and are known in the world for excellence in science and entrepreneurship. Our staff enjoys an exciting and challenging work environment noted for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

**Duties & Responsibilities**:
Reporting to the Research Scientist, Plant Responses and the Environment, this position provides support for the technical activities for soil and substrate research that advances Vineland’s innovation goals.

**KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- (*A more comprehensive position outline is available upon request.)_
- Maintain and organize soil and substrate laboratory
- Assist the Research Scientist in project planning, experimental design, formulate trial protocols and execute appropriate experimental designs to address research objectives
- Direct the implementation of soil and substrate-based projects, including trial set up, monitor, troubleshooting, measurements, data collection, data analysis and report preparation
- Coordinate and lead daily laboratory analysis of soil and substrate for multiple projects and clients while meeting deadlines under the supervision of the Research Scientist
- Collaborate with other team/program members on collaborative projects and take accountability for soil/substrate analysis related activities
- Organize and lead sample collection and measurements of plants, water and soils in field and greenhouse settings

**Qualifications**:

- BSc in Environmental Science, Environmental Geology or similar degree and at least three years of professional experience in research environments
- A Master’s degree (MSc, MA, MS or equivalent) is considered an asset
- Experience in areas of soil and substrate research for urban, peri-urban, rural and farm soils and greenhouse substrates
- Strong working knowledge of standard analysis for soil physical, chemical and biological properties
- Strong working knowledge of soil hydrological properties, as well as hydrological modeling would be an asset
- Good laboratory skills

**We offer**:

- Flexible work arrangement
- Competitive salary + bonus structure
- Comprehensive health benefits
- RRSP matching plan
- Paid vacation
- Employee perks
- Company events

**Include**:

- A cover letter stating how your experience qualifies you for the position
- Résumé
- Full Time Position
- Closing date: Open until filled
- Location: 4890 Victoria Avenue North, Vineland Station, ON L0R 2E0