Institute for Sustainable Horticulture Research Assistant
Top Benefits
About the role
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it's a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning. Join us today and transform your future!
Competition ID:
4167
Internal Closing Date:
External Closing Date:
June 28, 2025
# of Openings:
1
- Salary Information:
Casual Employee - Hourly Rate
Employment Type:
Temporary Part Time
Workplace Type:
Hybrid
Travel Frequency:
Occasional travel between campuses is required.
Employee Group:
Casual Employee
Days of Work (BCGEU):
Hours of Work (BCGEU):
Hours per Week (BCGEU):
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This role reports to The Director, and various project research leaders involved in research projects with the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture.
Please note: A student has been identified for this role.
SUMMARY
The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) partners with agricultural and agri-technology companies in our region to support innovation with research and development projects that promote sustainability in the sector. Current projects include developing microbial biocontrol products for pests and diseases, natural soil amendments and inoculants, biofertilizers, agritech applications, alternate growing systems, and soil microbial health.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work as part of a team to help set up trials with plants, fungi and/or insects, or agritech innovations, record and enter data
- Participate in trials which can be carried out in the lab, greenhouse, outdoor raised beds or at field locations
- Stay focused even when tasks get repetitive
- Use and practice your critical thinking skills to address challenges and interpret results
QUALIFICATIONS
- Diploma or degree in Horticulture or related discipline, enrolled in MSc program
- Experience or coursework in horticulture, biology, chemistry, microbiology, working in labs or greenhouses is an asset. Lab work requires WHMIS training
- Experience in setting up research trials, collecting and analysing data
- Teamwork experience an asset
- Reasonable physically fitness level. Some greenhouse work includes potting and unpotting plants, moving pots around, pruning, harvesting, cleaning after a trial
- Driver’s license and access to a car required for field work (mileage paid at $.54/km)
- Salary Information
Anticipated hourly pay rate: $21.00
Total Rewards
As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!
Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.
Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.
Note to Applicants
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.
If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
As Canada’s only polytechnic university, KPU is committed to providing learners with opportunities to develop hands-on, applied skills, in addition to traditional academics. Established in 1981, the university has five campuses across Metro Vancouver (Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Cloverdale, and Surrey Central City). KPU currently offers a range of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and citations in 120 diverse programs, many of which are unique to the university. Students graduate career-ready and prepared to make a positive impact in their community thanks to a well-rounded education, where thought meets action.
Institute for Sustainable Horticulture Research Assistant
Top Benefits
About the role
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it's a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning. Join us today and transform your future!
Competition ID:
4167
Internal Closing Date:
External Closing Date:
June 28, 2025
# of Openings:
1
- Salary Information:
Casual Employee - Hourly Rate
Employment Type:
Temporary Part Time
Workplace Type:
Hybrid
Travel Frequency:
Occasional travel between campuses is required.
Employee Group:
Casual Employee
Days of Work (BCGEU):
Hours of Work (BCGEU):
Hours per Week (BCGEU):
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This role reports to The Director, and various project research leaders involved in research projects with the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture.
Please note: A student has been identified for this role.
SUMMARY
The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) partners with agricultural and agri-technology companies in our region to support innovation with research and development projects that promote sustainability in the sector. Current projects include developing microbial biocontrol products for pests and diseases, natural soil amendments and inoculants, biofertilizers, agritech applications, alternate growing systems, and soil microbial health.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work as part of a team to help set up trials with plants, fungi and/or insects, or agritech innovations, record and enter data
- Participate in trials which can be carried out in the lab, greenhouse, outdoor raised beds or at field locations
- Stay focused even when tasks get repetitive
- Use and practice your critical thinking skills to address challenges and interpret results
QUALIFICATIONS
- Diploma or degree in Horticulture or related discipline, enrolled in MSc program
- Experience or coursework in horticulture, biology, chemistry, microbiology, working in labs or greenhouses is an asset. Lab work requires WHMIS training
- Experience in setting up research trials, collecting and analysing data
- Teamwork experience an asset
- Reasonable physically fitness level. Some greenhouse work includes potting and unpotting plants, moving pots around, pruning, harvesting, cleaning after a trial
- Driver’s license and access to a car required for field work (mileage paid at $.54/km)
- Salary Information
Anticipated hourly pay rate: $21.00
Total Rewards
As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!
Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.
Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.
Note to Applicants
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.
If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
As Canada’s only polytechnic university, KPU is committed to providing learners with opportunities to develop hands-on, applied skills, in addition to traditional academics. Established in 1981, the university has five campuses across Metro Vancouver (Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Cloverdale, and Surrey Central City). KPU currently offers a range of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and citations in 120 diverse programs, many of which are unique to the university. Students graduate career-ready and prepared to make a positive impact in their community thanks to a well-rounded education, where thought meets action.