Grower Technician

As Typha Co.’s Grower Technician, you will be responsible for leading a multifaceted project aimed at promoting sustainability within the floriculture industry. Your role will support the development of our novel peat free or partial substituted peat substrates. Under this role you will gain experience managing a group of interns at the University of Manitoba to conduct growth trials in a hydroponic system with our typha substrate. The role will help to gain market intelligence on the substrate’s advantage for various crops while collaborating with engineers towards further refining manufacturing to create a substrate that better meets the crop needs. Among overseeing other various activities such as creating education material with the assistance of the marketing team for growers to get accustomed to using typha based substrates, the largest portion of the role will be to ramp up bench-scale grow trial test to commercial-scale nurseries and provide client support on cultivation best practices. This position offers an exciting opportunity to drive meaningful change in the horticulture industry while also contributing positively to local aquatic ecosystems near you.

**Responsibilities**:
1.Research and Development:

- Conduct research to explore alternative substrates to peat, focusing on their viability and effectiveness in floriculture.
- Collaborate with experts to develop innovative cultivation techniques tailored to peat-free substrates.
- Oversee trial protocols and data collection efforts to evaluate the performance of alternative substrates.

2.Business Case Development:

- Assess the financial feasibility of transitioning nurseries to peat-free cultivation methods.
- Develop comprehensive market assessment for specific floriculture crops outlining the benefits and risks associated with adopting peat-free substrates.

3.Client Support:

- Provide expert consultation and guidance to nurseries undergoing the transition to peat-free cultivation.
- Offer on-site expertise and support to ensure the successful implementation of sustainable practices.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with clients, offering ongoing assistance and troubleshooting as needed.

4.Marketing and Market Research:

- Support the development of targeted marketing campaigns to promote the firm's expertise in peat-free cultivation.
- Create educational materials and resources to raise awareness and facilitate knowledge transfer within the industry.

5.Project Management:

- Coordinate project activities and timelines to ensure timely delivery of milestones and objectives.
- Monitor project progress and budget allocation, making adjustments as necessary to optimize outcomes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to leverage expertise and resources effectively.

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, soil science, botany, biosystem engineering or related field.
- Proven experience in project management, particularly in the agricultural or sustainability sector.
- Strong understanding of plant nursery practices and cultivation techniques.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with clients and stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
- Passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship, with a commitment to driving positive change in the industry.

**Requirements**:

- Hold a valid driver’s license.
- Residency in Manitoba.
- Post-secondary graduate.
- Under 30 years of age (inclusive).
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or a person who has been granted refugee status in Canada.
- Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations.
- A first-time participant in a Youth Employment and Skills Strategy work experience program targeted at post-secondary graduates.

Pay: $17.00-$24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Work from home

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Winnipeg, MB R3T 6G2