Technical Officer Plant Growth Facilities Maintenance Leader

Anything is possible at the NRC named in 2025 one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canadas Best Employers!

As Canadas largest research and innovation organization our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canadas future and the world.

At the NRC youll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. Youll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly youll discover whats possible within you as you grow make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career discover your possible at the NRC.

Were looking for a Plant Growth Facility Maintenance Leader to support NRCs Aquatic and Crop Resource Development (ACRD) Research this role you will be responsible for the preventive and reactive maintenance of NRCs Plant Growth Facilities (PGF)a complex network of controlled-environment systems supporting advanced plant research.

You will ensure the reliable operation of a large collection of plant growth chambers contribute to the design and installation of new equipment and support continuous improvement in safety energy efficiency and environmental control.

The successful candidate will work closely with researchers facility operations staff contractors and vendors to maintain and advance the performance of NRCs state-of-the-art research infrastructure.

If youre a technically skilled safety-minded professional with a passion for precision systems and sustainable facility operations wed like to hear from you.

The key responsibilities of the technical officer are the following:

• Maintains the facility work site equipment and tools and recommends corrective actions for non-serviceable items. Ensures technical logs records regulatory documentation and inventories are complete and accurate. Builds and maintains peer networks and conducts literature reviews to stay current with technological advancements.
• Monitors and troubleshoots issues affecting facility systems and growth chambers including refrigeration electrical mechanical electronic and integrated control systems. Initiates and performs repairs or coordinates corrective actions with NRC facility staff stakeholders or contracted trades personnel.
• Develops a facility preventative maintenance schedule and contributes to project planning and annual maintenance budget development. Prepares estimates and procures goods and services required for the PGF ensuring adherence to defined fiscal limits and NRC procurement policies. Oversees the purchase and inventory of standard supplies components and parts.
• Validates technical instructions and protocols for various laboratory setups identifies issues and develops solutions. This may include preparing work sites selecting materials and assembling or fabricating new equipment devices or systems.
• Performs regular calibration and performance verification of equipment and instrument sensors. Prepares detailed calibration and maintenance reports and maintains comprehensive records of upgrades tests and analyses to ensure operational reliability.
• Promotes and adheres to NRCs established health safety and environmental standards. Participates in hazard identification risk assessment and mitigation planning. Reports safety and environmental concerns and proposes improvements to enhance workplace safety and compliance.

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

A technical diploma of at least 2 or 3 years in one of the following fields:

• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Electrical Engineering Technology
• HVAC/R Technology
• Industrial Maintenance/Millwright
• Building Systems Technology
• Electrical with Red Seal Electrician
• Instrumentation Technician

Certification Status: Must hold a valid Saskatchewan Journeyperson Certification or an interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement (RSE)

One or more trade certifications or eligibility for licensing in Saskatchewan in the aforementioned technical fields such as HVAC/R (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic) Industrial electrician or Instrumentation and Control Technician would be considered desirable asset(s).

Equivalency:

An equivalent combination of education and extensive experience in maintaining controlled environment systems such as growth chambers greenhouses or other precision environmental facilities may be considered.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad please seeDegree equivalency

• Hands on industrial maintenance experience in research biotech greenhouse or controlled environment facilities including at least 2 of refrigeration electrical mechanical and environmental control systems.
• Experience in troubleshooting maintaining and repairing laboratory or facility equipment supported by root cause analysis interpretation of technical drawings/schematics and application of compliance standards.
• Experience coordinating and communicating across diverse teams including internal and external stakeholders vendors and contractors.
• Experience in documentation and compliance reporting including preventive maintenance records calibration logs change control deviation reporting scheduling and regulatory documentation using a computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Experience* as mentioned above is defined as at least 2-3 years of working experience.

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Physical ability to perform maintenance tasks including lifting heavy objects (up to 22 kg) standing climbing ladders with work performed in dusty wet noisy and varying temperature conditions.

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• Knowledge of Environmental Control Systems Plant Growth and Tissue Culture chambers and their components for the purpose of monitoring effective operation and identifying the need for repair.
• Knowledge of preventative and predictive maintenance practices as related to heating and ventilation systems (HVAC) refrigeration electrical or plumbing equipment.
• Knowledge of maintenance programs asset lifecycles and assessment documentation and reliability engineering.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and trade governance with ability to effectively develop validate and explain safety or technical procedures to others.

For this position the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research Technician/Technologist;

View all competency profiles

From $66126to $91012per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan comprehensive health and dental coverage disability and life insurance office closure at the end of December and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

• In 2025 the NRC was chosen as one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People a National Capital Region Top Employerand Forbes Canadas Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRCs directives.
• A pre-qualified listmay be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.