Horticultural Technician

**Classification & Regular Hours**:
Hours per Week: 37.5

Salary Grade: Level O

**About Western**:
Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

**About Us**:
This mission statement encompasses the major foci within the department, namely scientific research, graduate, undergraduate and public education. The Department constantly seeks to find a better working balance between the development and strengthening of its research enterprise and the maintenance of its strong undergraduate program. In parallel with this, the Department seeks to enhance and strengthen its graduate program and make meaningful contributions to existing and future collaborative programs that fall within its sphere of influence and interest.

**Responsibilities**:
The Horticultural Technician provides the routine care required to provide optimal growing conditions for all plants in the Greenhouses, including irrigation, fertilization and monitoring and controlling of insect pests. The Technician carries out and/or ensures that routine maintenance is conducted in a timely and effective manner, provides advice and guidance to all greenhouse users regarding routine care and maintenance of plants, and assists in the resolution of horticultural issues. The Biology Horticultural Technician also provides additional support to the Biotron as a back stop for the Biotron Horticultural Technician in order to maintain the operation of critical infrastructure housing both plants and insects. These duties include monitoring environmental chamber conditions on a daily basis and troubleshooting chamber issues as required, daily routine maintenance tasks of labs and equipment, maintaining plant and insect spaces by monitoring insect infestations and their treatment, maintaining CFIA lab standards for accreditation, and providing support to Biotron clients.

**Qualifications**:
**Education**:

- Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or Horticultural Science

**Experience**:

- 6 months experience working in a greenhouse or other plant growing facility (e.g. botanical garden, plant nursery)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Familiarity with growth chambers and greenhouse operations
- Knowledge of insect pests, containment and standard control measures
- Familiarity with and ability to identify plant species
- Knowledge of environmental control systems (such as Argus)
- Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Demonstrated ability to carry out basic preventative maintenance tasks in a laboratory environment
- Demonstrated ability to work independently to complete daily tasks, to take initiative and to follow through on work assignments
- Ability to follow formal processes and protocols with high attention to detail
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
- Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
- Demonstrated ability take initiative, to work independently and follow through on work assignments
- Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
- Ability to investigate defined issues, solicit input, and suggest remedies and alternative approaches that meet the needs of the situation
- Verbal communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner, and adapt communication style to suit the situation and audience
- Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
- Familiarity with University policies and procedures related to research preferred

**Union Statement**:
**Background Checks**:
Please note, successful applicants will be required to undergo a Post-Offer Employment Test.

**Western Values Diversity**:
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

**Please Note**:
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.