R&D Technician

Job content

POSITION:R&D Technician (Permanent, Full-time)

REPORTS TO:R&D Manager

Please Note: Applicants who are eligible to work in Canada will be considered and anyone outside Canada will not qualify to apply for this job position.

ABOUT US

At UP Vertical Farms, our mission is to become one of the largest and most sustainable indoor vertical farm producers of baby leafy greens by 2023, producing the safest, most nutritious, and best tasting salad greens. We specialize in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and our hands-free, high density, tech-driven vertical farm puts people and our planet first. It also supports the local economy by producing the most flavorful greens, picked at the peak of freshness, and delivered to the local market with speed and precision. Learn more about our mission at https://UPVerticalFarms.com/.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a skilled and motivated R&D Technician to join our team in the field of vertical farming. The R&D Technician will be responsible for carrying out various tasks related to plant cultivation, harvesting, sample preparation, data collection, system maintenance, and innovation in our state-of-the-art vertical farming facility. This role will work closely with the R&D Manager and other teams to optimize plant growth and well-being, implement system improvements, and develop new processes/products to improve efficiency and productivity.

REGULAR DUTIES

· Carry out filling rafts with medium, seeding, relocation, spacing, and irrigation of plants under controlled environment agriculture (CEA) in R&D room and commercial greenhouse.

· Collect and maintain data records relating to crop health, environmental data, trials, and sanitation.

· Perform tasks for R&D facilities including seeding trials, sanitation, maintenance, inventory, and fertigation.

· Assist with implementing provisions required to improve and optimize plant growth and well-being.

· Evaluate system improvement possibilities and implement approved suggestions from R&D manager, other teams, affiliate company teams, and clients.

· Evaluate and innovate new potential processes/products to save growing and operating costs.

· Evaluate and innovate new potential processes/products for future crops/products.

· Perform maintenance tasks for R&D systems, including pumps, irrigation, CO2, O2, O3, HVAC units, automatic control systems, and more.

· Carry out clean-in-place procedures and day-to-day maintenance and operation of the grow areas, germination rooms, and ancillary areas of the R&D facilities.

· Ensure all grow equipment and machinery in use are in proper operating condition and that all crop hygiene practices are followed.

· Comply with food safety, worker safety, and Occupational Health & Safety policies.

· Mix and apply fertilizers/nutrients/gases (such as carbon dioxide, oxygen, ozone, nitrogen) as required.

· Complete daily key operational checklists, including nutrition, fertilizer, oxygen, temperatures, and humidity.

· Assist with samples, packaging, and scheduling needed for deliveries to clients from R&D facilities.

· Collect biological and climatic data to create better formulas and processes.

· Collect quantitative and qualitative data throughout the lifecycle of the plants for R&D purposes.

· Keep neat and accurate electronic records and documentation of all data, formulas, and processes.

· Achieve work results by good communication practices, establishing priorities, monitoring progress, revising schedules as needed, and resolving problems.

· Recognize and respond to plant diseases and pests, including daily integrated pest management duties.

· Operate computerized and other control systems.

· Monitor machine operation and perform in-process checks, adjusting as necessary.

· Ensure all equipment and machinery are in proper operating condition and that all crop hygiene practices are followed.

· Adhere to the Safety Policies, including the use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safety equipment.

· Maintain sanitation protocols and clean and sterilize all equipment and grow areas of R&D facilities.

· Complete assignments given that may involve the use of a personal vehicle.

· Perform other duties as instructed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· Ability to work independently and in a team environment

· Ability to manage multiple tasks under specific timelines

· Excellent organizational and prioritization skills

· Excellent work ethic and not afraid to get hands dirty.

· Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions in a fast-paced environment

· Strong attention to detail

· Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing

· Ability to lift up to 25lbs

QUALIFICATIONS

Must-haves:

· Currently enrolled or recently graduated from a horticultural program or related field.

· Background and education in agriculture/horticulture (preference will be given to candidates with hydroponic experience)

· Fundamental understanding of plant growth and cultivation principles.

· Experience with data collection and record keeping.

· Interest in growing food in modern, innovative ways

· Experience safely handling chemicals or working in a lab setting

· Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, etc.)

· Valid B.C. Class 5 Driver’s License

Nice-to-haves:

· Familiarity with controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and vertical farming.

· Ability to operate and maintain horticultural equipment and machinery.

· Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.

· Experience working with food safety programs and regulations

· Experience with administrative procedures considered an asset

WORK CONDITIONS

·8:00am – 4:30pm, 5 days (includes some weekend shifts)

· Ability to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions

· May be requested to assist the R&D department on-site outside of regular work hours (i.e., evenings, weekends).

· Use of personal vehicle may be required

We thank all candidates for their interest in this position. Please submit all applications online as we do not accept walk-in applicants.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $24.00-$25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 1Z1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (required)

Work Location: In person