Greenhouse/Teaching Technician

Simon Fraser University View all jobs

  • Burnaby, BC
  • Permanent
  • Part-time
  • 20 hours ago
Who We AreSimon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.The Department of Biological Sciences has the following goals:
  • To graduate bachelors-level students who have a broad understanding of contemporary biology and its significance to society, an in-depth comprehension of selected subjects, and well developed analytical and communication skills.
  • To graduate masters and doctoral students who meet the highest international standards, who are experts in specialized areas of the biological sciences, can conduct definitive scientific investigations, are skillful communicators, and who have a highly developed sense of scientific and social responsibility.
  • To serve the University and the wider national and international communities by providing ideas, interpretations, and advice.
About the RoleThis position is responsible for the development, organization, and maintenance of live and preserved plant teaching collections. Organizes, monitors, and maintains the day-to-day proper and safe operation of plant growth facilities (greenhouses, growth chambers, outdoor plots) and equipment. Monitors plant pest control and will provide related advice and assistance to users for teaching and research. Assists, advises and demonstrates to researchers (faculty, post docs, graduate students) various growing/propagating techniques. Assists, advises, and trains researchers on the operation and setup/programming of specialized equipment. Provides technical support for undergraduate laboratory courses in Biological Sciences, particularly courses involving plant/algal/fungal biology and ecological techniques. Recommends appropriate plant materials from the plant collection and external sources to lab instructors for lab demonstrations. Prepares and dispenses complex reagents and stock solutions. Orders and maintains live/perishable specimens and culture stocks. Prepares, sets up, maintains, and takes down/cleans up laboratory equipment, supplies, and materials for use in student experiments and demonstrations.QualificationsUndergraduate degree with laboratory courses in a wide variety of biology disciplines including plant biology and ecology. 3-5 years of experience. An equivalent combination of formal education, certificate/program of study and experience is acceptable.
  • Excellent knowledge of horticultural practices for propagation and maintenance of diverse and exotic plant species.
  • Excellent knowledge of prescribed safety, storage, and handling procedures for pesticides and other job-related chemicals, and applicable government, WCB, and university regulations/guidelines (e.g., BC Handbook for Pesticide Applicators and Dispensers).
  • Practical knowledge of greenhouse operations and maintenance.
  • Broad knowledge of a range of biology laboratory resource materials, technologies, and procedures (e.g., safety practices, use of microscope, fumehoods).
  • Good knowledge of Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS), and science laboratory safety procedures (i.e., chemical safety, biosafety) and equipment.
  • Good interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Good analytical and interpretive skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a valid BC Pesticide Applicators Certificate (Agriculture-Greenhouse).
  • Ability to handle live or preserved plants, insects, and hazardous chemicals and biologicals.
  • Ability to operate job related equipment (e.g., trimmer, backpack/handgun sprayers, weedeater, power washer, soil sterilizer, programming of growth chambers).
  • Ability to complete Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System training and other related University safety training.
  • Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications (MSWord, MS Excel, Filemaker Pro) at a basic level.
  • Ability to use email and internet applications.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages and use basic algebra.
  • Ability to maintain records with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work as a member of a team.
  • Ability to exercise mature judgment and initiative.
What We OfferAt SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE Local 3338):
  • 3 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
  • Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
  • Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
  • On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
  • Funding for professional development expenses*
  • And more!
*Prorated for part-time employeesAdditional InformationFor external candidates, the starting salary is the first step of the salary range.Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact pei_reception@sfu.ca.

Simon Fraser University