Scientific Technician​/Greenhouse & Facilities Manager

The University of New Brunswick is seeking a full-time Scientific Technician/Greenhouse & Facilities Manager for its Biology Department in Fredericton, NB. The role involves managing greenhouse operations, supporting research and teaching labs, and overseeing building systems. Responsibilities include plant care, staff coordination, budget management, and collaboration with faculty. The position requires on-call availability and physical capability to lift 25 kg. Salary ranges from $51,924 to $67,489 per annum.
Position: Scientific Technician (Greenhouse & Facilities Manager)
Closing Date:
May 23, 2025 at 4:00 PMDEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGYThe Biology Department is a unit in the Faculty of Science at the Fredericton campus. There are 26 Faculty and 8 staff members all working out of the Loring Baily Hall Building. The role of the Department is to conduct original research, which includes projects on a diverse range of experimental organisms and ecology, and to provide high-quality educational opportunities for graduate (PhD, MSc) and undergraduate students.

WHAT WE OFFERFull-time | Continuing | Fredericton | On-Campus Standard

Work Hours:

Mon - Fri | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm | 36.25 hours per week (Summer Hours)
Additional

Working Conditions:

Requires 24/7 on-call availability to respond to issues in the greenhouse, aquatic facility, and other building systems.

Possess or obtain WHMIS and First Aid certification.

Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 Kg.Salary Range: $51,924 - $67,489 per annum

YOUR FOCUSReporting to Chair of Biology, the Scientific Technician (Greenhouse & Facilities Manager) works closely with the faculty, staff, other UNB employees, and external contractors to ensure the facilities and equipment are working to allow us to meet our needs.

Operate a complex greenhouse facility focused on the collection, maintenance, and propagation of tropical, horticultural, agricultural, and indigenous plants for teaching, research, lab development, and public display.

Clean, pot, transplant, prune, water, fertilize, and organize plant collections.

Apply pest control measures to ensure plant health.

Support botany and plant ecology teaching labs, as well as faculty and student research projects.

Advise and serve as a resource contact for faculty.

Manage all aspects of greenhouse operations, staffing, and maintenance, including the pedway linking Bailey Hall and the IUC.Interview, hire, train, evaluate, and coordinate 1-2 part-time staff.

Train greenhouse assistants, students, and users in greenhouse procedures, WHMIS, and safety practices.

Manage greenhouse budget and purchases new or replacement equipment and materials.

Engage in outreach with undergraduates to develop a gardening club that promotes use of the facility and build awareness.

Monitor research, teaching, and common areas in Loring Bailey Hall under the Department of Biology's oversight.

Oversee building systems including rooftop greenhouse, aquatic facility, biohazard rooms, chemical storage, controlled temperature rooms, cooling, heating, chilled water, air handling, compressed air, and deionized water systems.

Coordinate with Capital Planning & Operations and external contractors to arrange repairs and maintenance.

Conduct daily checks and performs routine maintenance to ensure building systems remain operational.

Collaborate with faculty and staff to advise on funding proposals for renovations or equipment acquisition, including gathering quotes and offering space-use recommendations.

Participate in departmental committees such as space and safety, and completes other administrative tasks as needed.

Assist with lab preparation for undergraduate courses involving plant specimens.

Prepare plant samples and helps set up greenhouse experiments.

WHAT YOU BRINGBachelor's degree in Biology, Botany, or Plant Biology3-5 years experience working in greenhouses, plant propagation, or plant taxonomy.

Additional Strengths:

Master's degree in Biology, Botany, or Plant Biology is considered a strong asset.

Experience in general mechanical systems monitoring and/or maintenance would be an asset.

Knowledge of and adherence to safety protocols when handling instruments and working in potentially hazardous environments.

Able to efficiently manage repair schedules and prioritizing tasks.

About University of New Brunswick

The University of New Brunswick employs more than 3,200 full- and part-time staff, including faculty, support staff and students. UNB values people and we have proudly been named as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2025 and one of Atlantic Canada's Top Employers for 2024.UNB is situated on the unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik and Mi'kmaq peoples along the banks of the beautiful and bountiful Wolastoq river, a region recognized worldwide for its natural beauty.

UNB is a comprehensive university with a long history of excellence in teaching and research.

Other Information

WHY CHOOSE UNB?

UNB offers a large variety of benefits for employees, including a full pension, a minimum of three weeks of vacation annually, the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and dental, life, and health insurance.

PROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL STAFF UNION (PTSU)
This position is part of the PSAC, Local 60551 employee group and falls under the PTSU Collective Agreement.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSIONThe University of New Brunswick and PSAC/PTSU Local 60551 are committed to employment equity and fostering diversity within our community and developing an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the broader community that we serve. The University welcomes…