Technical Officer - Plant Growth Facilities Maintenance Leader

National Research Council Canada • Saskatoon, SK

4d • CA$66,126 - CA$91,012 • Onsite

About The Position

The NRC is seeking a Plant Growth Facility Maintenance Leader to support its Aquatic and Crop Resource Development (ACRD) Research Centre. This role involves the preventive and reactive maintenance of NRC’s Plant Growth Facilities (PGF), which is a complex network of controlled-environment systems essential for advanced plant research. The successful candidate will ensure the reliable operation of a large collection of plant growth chambers, contribute to the design and installation of new equipment, and support continuous improvement in safety, energy efficiency, and environmental control. This position requires close collaboration with researchers, facility operations staff, contractors, and vendors to maintain and enhance the performance of NRC’s state-of-the-art research infrastructure. The ideal candidate is a technically skilled, safety-minded professional with a passion for precision systems and sustainable facility operations.

Requirements

• A technical diploma of at least 2 or 3 years in one of the following fields: Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, HVAC/R Technology, Industrial Maintenance/Millwright, Building Systems Technology, Electrical with Red Seal Electrician, or Instrumentation Technician.
• Must hold a valid Saskatchewan Journeypersons Certification or an interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement (RSE).
• Hands-on industrial maintenance experience in research, biotech, greenhouse, or controlled environment facilities, including at least 2 years in refrigeration, electrical, mechanical, and environmental control systems.
• Experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing laboratory or facility equipment, supported by root cause analysis, interpretation of technical drawings/schematics, and application of compliance standards.
• Experience coordinating and communicating across diverse teams including internal and external stakeholders, vendors and contractors.
• Experience in documentation and compliance reporting, including preventive maintenance records, calibration logs, change control, deviation reporting, scheduling, and regulatory documentation using a computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Reliability Status (verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required).
• Physical ability to perform maintenance tasks including lifting heavy objects (up to 22 kg), standing, climbing ladders with work performed in dusty, wet, noisy and varying temperature conditions.
• English language proficiency.

Nice To Haves

• One or more trade certifications, or eligibility for licensing in Saskatchewan, in the aforementioned technical fields such as, HVAC/R (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic), Industrial electrician or Instrumentation and Control Technician would be considered desirable asset(s).
• An equivalent combination of education and extensive experience in maintaining controlled environment systems, such as growth chambers, greenhouses, or other precision environmental facilities, may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the facility work site, equipment, and tools, and recommends corrective actions for non-serviceable items.
• Ensures technical logs, records, regulatory documentation, and inventories are complete and accurate.
• Builds and maintains peer networks and conducts literature reviews to stay current with technological advancements.
• Monitors and troubleshoots issues affecting facility systems and growth chambers, including refrigeration, electrical, mechanical, electronic, and integrated control systems.
• Initiates and performs repairs or coordinates corrective actions with NRC facility staff, stakeholders, or contracted trades personnel.
• Develops a facility preventative maintenance schedule and contributes to project planning and annual maintenance budget development.
• Prepares estimates and procures goods and services required for the PGF, ensuring adherence to defined fiscal limits and NRC procurement policies.
• Oversees the purchase and inventory of standard supplies, components, and parts.
• Validates technical instructions and protocols for various laboratory setups, identifies issues, and develops solutions.
• This may include preparing work sites, selecting materials, and assembling or fabricating new equipment, devices, or systems.
• Performs regular calibration and performance verification of equipment and instrument sensors.
• Prepares detailed calibration and maintenance reports and maintains comprehensive records of upgrades, tests, and analyses to ensure operational reliability.
• Promotes and adheres to NRC’s established health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Participates in hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation planning.
• Reports safety and environmental concerns and proposes improvements to enhance workplace safety and compliance.

Benefits

• Robust pension plan
• Comprehensive health and dental coverage
• Disability and life insurance
• Office closure at the end of December
• Additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree