About Growcer
The Growcer is an innovative agri-tech startup launched in Ottawa in 2015, specializing in the manufacturing and design of modular hydroponic systems that enable commercial food production in plug-and-play 40 ft. modules. Its vertical farming technology enables customers to grow fresh vegetables in virtually any climate, having been deployed within the Arctic Circle below -50°C. Growcer has empowered conventional farmers, entrepreneurs, communities and institutions to grow food locally all year round. Growcer’s work has been recognized with awards including Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and was featured on Season 13 of CBC’s hit show, Dragons’ Den.
The Growcer is looking for a driven individual with a self-starter attitude as the company enters the next phase of rapid growth and scales across North America. Effective Growcer employees are tenacious, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and are comfortable working on big-picture challenges with lots of autonomy. All positions and work responsibilities tie back to our mission of empowering people to feed the world more sustainably, and applicants who are laser-focused on contributing to the creation of a better food system will find a workplace and team that shares their vision for sustainable agriculture.
Type of Role:
Full-Time, starting April 2022
About the Role:
As a Farm Technician (Level A1) your primary responsibility is to support Growcer’s research project leads on experiments that look to introduce new crops and Growcer platforms, as well as optimize existing platforms to increase productivity. You will work closely with Growcer’s research staff to understand the experimental plans, collect and transcribe research data, and conduct literature reviews. Your responsibilities also include the maintenance of plant health and productivity across crops/ platforms through timely biopesticide applications and ensuring all necessary equipment is in good operation. The Farm Technician may occasionally be required to submit research proposals as part of shorter-term sub-projects and carry out the necessary research with oversight from either the leafy green or flowering crop project leads. Finally, this position requires communication with local customers who purchase Growcer’s research produce, as well as weighing, packaging, labeling, delivery, and invoicing coordination for purchased produce.
Research (75% of role)
Support literature reviews and the development of research proposals and future planning initiatives as advised by research project leads or the Director of R&D respectively
Maintain up to date knowledge of the tasks and procedures associated with multiple types of hydroponic growing techniques and related technologies
Maintain laboratory equipment, sensors, and perform quality control activities, including, but not limited to maintenance, calibration, and cleaning
Be involved in validation of equipment and systems, troubleshooting of equipment malfunctions and installation of new equipment
Understand the safe operation of tools and equipment, cleaning techniques, and appropriate personal protective equipment use to maintain personal safety and integrity of the research facilities
Through communication with research project leads, be responsible for the set up and maintenance of experiments including nutrient mixing and fertigation, pest management activities, plant measurements, data collection and entry
Be accountable for weekly deadlines and deliverables as they relate to your tasks, and communicate any deviations in a timely manner to research project leads
Stay informed of and follow applicable regulations, such as pesticide use regulations, waste disposal and food safety regulations, as part of research projects you support
Be responsible for executing on short-term sub-projects as they relate to internal needs or customer requirements in collaboration with other research staff
Be willing and able to support retrofit activities for existing and future research infrastructure
Administration (20% of role)
Support in the generation and maintenance of accurate equipment files for R&D tools/ sensors, hardware and infrastructure as needed for existing and future projects
Coordinate quantities, costs and invoicing with customers who purchase produce resulting from Growcer’s R&D activities, as advised by harvest schedules and research staff. Maintain accurate and timely records of all associated activities.
Conduct weighing, packaging, labeling and delivery of produce resulting from R&D activities to customers
Support the sourcing of research materials and tools as advised by research project leads
Support the development of internal documentation such as standardized templates, best practices and Standard Operating Procedures
Contribute to organizational objectives including but not limited to file organization, maintenance of logs for periodic verification and calibration of R&D tools/ sensors, generation of check lists and signage for areas where research is conducted, etc
Contribute to scheduled R&D department meetings and presentations, and be a knowledge resource for past experiments in which you were involved
Support reporting initiatives (i.e. timesheets and reports on project-based work conducted) for research funding applications, as applicable
Support Health & Safety initiatives as needed in areas where you conduct work
Contribute to the training of new team members
Cross Departmental Support (5% of role)
Be available to provide consultation to other departments within Growcer on learnings and experiences for projects in which you were involved
Support the development of Standard Operating Procedures for Growcer’s new product/ crop offerings, and the translation of these documents into customer support materials
Be a subject matter expert on questions from other departments (Sales/Marketing, Product, CS) relating to horticulture and the experiments conducted within R&D
Requirements
College diploma in horticulture, biotechnology or a similar field
Knowledge of Controlled Environment Agriculture systems and hydroponic growing techniques
General familiarity with troubleshooting the operation of small equipment and control/ monitoring systems
Ability to follow existing Standard Operating Procedures
Ability and willingness to make regular deliveries of Growcer’s R&D produce to local customers, with assistance as needed
Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, Google docs/sheets, and ability to learn new software as required, or to pursue coursework related to the position if required
Sound verbal and written communication skills
Ability to plan ahead, foresee challenges and propose adequate mitigation strategies
Great organizational skills, attention to detail and flexibility to deliver on tight deadlines
Ability to conduct literature reviews and present information in a concise, accessible manner
Ability and willingness to conduct hands-on, repetitive work in confined agricultural and laboratory settings
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and knowledge of safe ladder and power tool use
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