Plant Science

Faculty of Agricultural & Food Sciences

Position number: AD350

Date posted: May 8, 2026

Job details

Controlled Enviro. Facilities Supervisor - Tech 5 (AESES)

Existing Regular Continuing Full-Time (Budget Funded)

Full-time:

Yes

Permanent:

Yes

Work schedule:

35 Hours/week (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

Salary:

$28.46 to $40.88 per hour ($51,797.20 to $74,401.60 per annum)

Expected Start Date

June 1, 2026

Trial/Probation period:

840 hours worked

For more information please contact: Dr. Doug Cattani - doug.cattani@umanitoba.ca (2044748221)

Qualifications

MINIMUM FORMAL EDUCATION/TRAINING:

• Masters degree in a related study area, Plant Science preferred, with two years = directly-related experience.

OR

• Bachelors degree in a related discipline, Plant Science preferred, with five years = directly-related experience.

OR

• Completion of a Community College course in a related discipline with six years = directly-related experience.

OR

• Training equivalent to Journeyman trade status (five years = related training) plus three years related experience beyond Journeyman status.
• Provincial Pesticide Applicator’s licence preferred, or willingness to attain according to provincial regulations.

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of five years in controlled environment plant culture and plant operation required.
• An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Mechanical aptitude or ability for small equipment maintenance or repair is required. Physical ability to perform the duties as assigned, which may include mobility and/or moderate to heavy lifting, is required.
• Ability to work with many project supervisors is required.
• Ability to plan, organize and administer projects is required.
• Ability to work within time and budget constraints is required.
• Ability and willingness to learn new techniques is required.
• Ability to keep abreast of developments in the areas of expertise is required.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team is required.
• Ability to train and to supervise the work of staff and students is required.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are required.
• Satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality, is required.

OTHER JOB RELATED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of WHMIS and radioactive/hazardous materials protocols and regulations required.
• Good manual dexterity and eyesight required.
• No allergies to animals, plants or plant products or job-related materials required.
• Valid driver’s licence is required.

Key responsibilities

• Responsible for the efficient and year-round performance, operation and maintenance of the plant growth Controlled Environment Facilities consisting of greenhouses, growth rooms, cold storage rooms, outside frame yard and all related work areas.
• Responsible for the operation of all controlled environment equipment and machines including heating, lighting, refrigeration, and safety equipment at both the Plant Science and CTC locations
• Regularly inspect all facilities and equipment for working condition, performance or malfunction and take any remedial or precautionary action necessary.
• Evaluate controlled environment equipment and supplies. Order materials, supplies, equipment and replacement parts.
• Recommend to the Department Head and Lab and Equipment Committee for necessary infrastructure repairs, maintenance or equipment, anticipating, projecting and planning overall needs.
• Coordinate, update and circulate the Plant Science Emergency Growth Area procedures, protocol and contacts list for preparedness response to situations that may arise during evening, weekend and holiday periods.
• Act as primary contact during normal working hours as well as on call basis, in the event of failures, storm warnings etc. Act as primary on call contact, ensuring backup personnel are identified and trained.
• Coordinate space allocation and provide oversight to user areas for greenhouse bench, growth chambers and cold storage facilities.
• Ensure areas are in optimal and safe condition for teaching and research learning and experiments.
• Conduct Orientation session and regular communication for all users, students, staff and academics, to ensure that users are trained in greenhouse biosecurity, biosafety and other safety protocols.
• Coordinate, train and supervise controlled environment personnel in all aspects of the plant growth facility operation and maintenance.
• Supervise operations including soil preparation, seeding, transplanting, fertilizing, watering, the control of weeds, diseases and insects, etc.
• Participate in hiring, supervision, training and arrange work schedules for other junior greenhouse staff.
• Conduct tours of students and other groups.
• Make recommendations to the Department Head and Lab and Equipment Committee for necessary infrastructure repairs, maintenance of equipment, and anticipating, projecting and planning overall needs.
• Actively participate in renovations and enhancements. Set priorities and plan renovations, enhancement of controlled environment facility automation, installation of new growth chambers and other new equipment improvements.
• Liaise with and provide advice to academics and other technical staff for support and training of undergraduate students, graduate students and HQP.
• Keep apprised in Environmental Health and Safety matters and other university, faculty and departmental policies and procedures as related to operation of facilities.
• May participate in various Departmental Committees ie. Safety, Lab & Equipment.
• Keep up-to-date on shared Department or Faculty facilities, equipment (lab, field and farm), and infrastructure.
• Act as a backup contact for department vehicle responsibilities, repairs and maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional information

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of "The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act" (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.