Greenhouse & Horticulture Field Operations Manager, Plant Sciences

University of Saskatchewan•Saskatoon, SK

6d•CA$69,035 - CA$107,868•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for managing the greenhouses and the day-to-day activities of the Horticulture Field Operations. The role involves overseeing the smooth and efficient operation of these facilities and their equipment. The manager will act as a liaison between research programs and the PLSC Growth Facilities and Horticultural Committees, supervise technicians and casual staff, and contribute to daily operations. The position requires independent judgment, innovative thinking, and strong relationship-building and communication skills.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in plant sciences, horticulture, or biology.
Training and experience in greenhouse management.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
Possession of a Pesticide Applicator's license.
Minimum of three years of experience working as a greenhouse grower and/or manager of a horticulture plant production facility.
Strong knowledge in horticulture, including orchard crops, arboriculture, and vegetable crops.
Knowledge of research techniques used in field crop research.
Good working knowledge of plant physiology to recognize disease, stress, and insect problems and make recommendations.
Experience supervising staff.
Familiarity with a wide range of field and plot maintenance equipment.
Ability to work independently and practice effective decision-making.
Proven effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to effectively communicate with faculty, staff, and students.
Willingness to accommodate and support neurodiverse individuals in the workforce.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Management, organizational, and time-management skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Familiarity with electronic systems for monitoring and control of greenhouse environments is an asset.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access & PowerPoint).
Good working knowledge of internet and email software applications.
Attention to detail.
Creative problem-solving abilities.
Proven ability to effectively manage time and ensure project deadlines are met.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with electronic systems for monitoring and control of greenhouse environments.

Responsibilities

Oversee the smooth and efficient operation of greenhouses and horticulture field facilities.
Manage day-to-day activities of the Horticulture Field Operations.
Serve as a liaison between research programs and the PLSC Growth Facilities and Horticultural Committees.
Assign duties and supervise greenhouse and general horticulture field technicians.
Recruit, train, and supervise casual staff and summer students.
Contribute to the execution of daily operations at the greenhouse, horticulture field plots, and gardens.
Oversee care and maintenance of the Beamish Conservatory, including supervision of Atrium plant care.
Apply and communicate University safety protocols and policies.
Identify problems, determine urgency, and solve them accordingly.
Oversee all aspects of the daily operation of horticulture field plots and gardens.
Ensure maintenance of research and breeding fields, gardens, and ornamental plantings for 70 acres.
Implement grounds, protected growth infrastructure, and field activities including mowing, mulching, spraying, tillage, irrigation, pruning, pest and animal control, material removal, and maintenance of access roads and infrastructure.
Implement effective land management plans.
Oversee the general maintenance of the Patterson Gardens.
Establish and administer a computerized billing procedure for quarterly greenhouse rental.
Respond to alarm calls from Campus Security in coordination with greenhouse technicians.
Facilitate daily operation of greenhouses in coordination with greenhouse technicians.