Ontario Crops Research Centre - Simcoe

Hiring #: 2023-0228

Please read the Application Instructions before applying

Reporting to the Director, Research Facilities Management, the Manager, Research Centre Operations & Technical Support, Ontario Crops Research Centre – Simcoe manages all activities at the 90 hectare Simcoe Research station. The incumbent has responsibility for overseeing and delivering on the day-to-day operations of the station in support of crops research projects and program delivery, including land / facility allocation; ordering crop inputs such as seed, fertilizer, and herbicides; oversight of land preparation, seeding, fertilization, weed management, crop protection applications and harvesting of fruit and vegetable crops; and general maintenance and upkeep of the station and facilities. As such, the incumbent must have an excellent understanding of research principles, approaches and procedures, and be able to plan how research activities and trials can be implemented effectively while maximizing functionality for the research facility within the available assigned station budget.

The incumbent will be responsible for managing the coordination and support of land allotments, crop management and field services for U of G faculty-led research programs, engaging with faculty and project leaders (technicians, graduate students) and program support staff; providing technical support and expertise in the planning, implementation, conduct and delivery of fruit and vegetable crops research trials as required for external stakeholders and U of G researchers who require technical support, ensuring that all research experiments are implemented and executed in a timely manner, adhering to crops research principles and best practices to provide high levels of quality, accuracy and reliability with due consideration to effectiveness, cost and safety; overseeing station maintenance: coordinating grounds maintenance, initiating contracts for building maintenance, supervising the inspection, calibration, and maintenance of farm and research equipment, directing the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous goods; hiring, training and supervision of full-time, temporary and part-time staff and ensuring that all personnel on the station are following University and government prescribed health and safety procedures; formulating and monitoring the station budget, authorizing expenditures, initiating and managing cost recoveries.

Requirements of the position include: An undergraduate degree (Master’s Degree in a horticulture research discipline would be an asset) plus a minimum of 5 years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  Additional requirements include: experience with human resources management as well as financial management; excellent human relations and communication skills; initiative, professionalism, discretion, sound judgement, tact and diplomacy; solid competency in MS Office Word and Excel, and email systems. Knowledge of University of Guelph Human Resources Policies and Procedures and financial reporting systems would be an asset.  Class G Driver’s Licence is required, as is Grower Pesticide Safety Certification (or willingness to obtain such). Transportation of Dangerous Goods certification would be considered an asset.

Position Number         447-058
Classification               P05
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 2023 05 24
Closing Date: 2023 06 07