R&d Technician

**POSITION**:R&D Technician (Permanent, Full-time)

**REPORTS TO**:R&D Manager

**ABOUT US**

We are seeking a skilled and motivated R&D Technician to join our team in the field of vertical farming. The R&D Technician will be responsible for carrying out various tasks related to plant cultivation, harvesting, sample preparation, data collection, system maintenance, and innovation in our state-of-the-art vertical farming facility. This role will work closely with the R&D Manager and other teams to optimize plant growth and well-being, implement system improvements, and develop new processes/products to improve efficiency and productivity.

**REGULAR DUTIES**
- Carry out filling rafts with medium, seeding, relocation, spacing, and irrigation of plants under controlled environment agriculture (CEA) in R&D room and commercial greenhouse.
- Collect and maintain data records relating to crop health, environmental data, trials, and sanitation.
- Perform tasks for R&D facilities including seeding trials, sanitation, maintenance, inventory, and fertigation.
- Assist with implementing provisions required to improve and optimize plant growth and well-being.
- Evaluate system improvement possibilities and implement approved suggestions from R&D manager, other teams, affiliate company teams, and clients.
- Evaluate and innovate new potential processes/products to save growing and operating costs.
- Evaluate and innovate new potential processes/products for future crops/products.
- Perform maintenance tasks for R&D systems, including pumps, irrigation, CO2, O2, O3, HVAC units, automatic control systems, and more.
- Carry out clean-in-place procedures and day-to-day maintenance and operation of the grow areas, germination rooms, and ancillary areas of the R&D facilities.
- Ensure all grow equipment and machinery in use are in proper operating condition and that all crop hygiene practices are followed.
- Comply with food safety, worker safety, and Occupational Health & Safety policies.
- Complete daily key operational checklists, including nutrition, fertilizer, oxygen, temperatures, and humidity.
- Assist with samples, packaging, and scheduling needed for deliveries to clients from R&D facilities.
- Collect biological and climatic data to create better formulas and processes.
- Collect quantitative and qualitative data throughout the lifecycle of the plants for R&D purposes.
- Keep neat and accurate electronic records and documentation of all data, formulas, and processes.
- Achieve work results by good communication practices, establishing priorities, monitoring progress, revising schedules as needed, and resolving problems.
- Recognize and respond to plant diseases and pests, including daily integrated pest management duties.
- Operate computerized and other control systems.
- Monitor machine operation and perform in-process checks, adjusting as necessary.
- Ensure all equipment and machinery are in proper operating condition and that all crop hygiene practices are followed.
- Adhere to the Safety Policies, including the use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safety equipment.
- Maintain sanitation protocols and clean and sterilize all equipment and grow areas of R&D facilities.
- Complete assignments given that may involve the use of a personal vehicle.
- Perform other duties as instructed.

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES**
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Ability to manage multiple tasks under specific timelines
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills
- Excellent work ethic and not afraid to get hands dirty.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions in a fast-paced environment
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing
- Ability to lift up to 25lbs

**QUALIFICATIONS**

Must-haves:

- Currently enrolled or recently graduated from a horticultural program or related field.
- Fundamental understanding of plant growth and cultivation principles.
- Experience with data collection and record keeping.
- Interest in growing food in modern, innovative ways
- Experience safely handling chemicals or working in a lab setting
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, etc.)
- Valid B.C. Class 5 Driver’s License

Nice-to-haves:

- Familiarity with controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and vertical farming.
- Ability to operate and maintain horticultural equipment and machinery.
- Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
- Experience working with food safety programs and regulations
- Experience with administrative procedures considered an asset

**WORK CONDITIONS**
- 8:00am - 4:30pm, 5 days (includes some weekend shifts)
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions
- May be requested to assist the R&D department on-site outside of regular work hours (i.e., evenings, weekends).
- Use of personal vehicle may be