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**: To support Western’s initiative of providing the best student experience in a research intensive university, the Biotron provides expert research support and services to the Western Community, in particular that of the Faculty of Science. **Responsibilities**: The Horticultural Technician works in collaboration to ensure that optimal conditions are in place for the research projects in the environmental chambers, in particular the growing of plants and rearing of insects, for use in research at the Biotron. The role is responsible for monitoring chamber operation, conditions and controlling of insect pests. The Horticultural Technician carries out and ensures that routine maintenance is conducted in a timely and effective manner, ensures health and safety protocols are followed as well as issuing and maintaining access to lab users. The role provides advice and guidance to all laboratory users regarding equipment and pest control measures, assists in the troubleshooting and resolution of equipment issues and ordering of supplies as required. **Qualifications**: **Education**: - 3 year Community College Horticultural Technician Diploma - University Bachelor's Degree in Horticultural Science, Botany, Biology or related field preferred **Experience**: - 1 year of experience working in a greenhouse or other commercial growing facility with direct experience operating growth chamber software (such as Argus) 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**: **Western Values Diversity**: **Please Note**: We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.