Department: Mechanical, Industrial, and Mechatronics Engineering
Position supervisor: Dr. Habiba Bougherara
Contract length: One-year contract inclusive of probation, with the possibility of renewal for up to one additional year upon annual performance review.
Hours of work per week: 36.25 (Full-time)
Position type: Part-time or Full-time
Rate of pay: $50,000/year + benefits (Full-time)
About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.
Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
About the program/department/team
Our team is a dynamic, cross-disciplinary group based at Toronto Metropolitan University, dedicated to advancing the future of agriculture through innovation in controlled environment systems. Supported by the Weston Family Foundation’s Homegrown Innovation Challenge, we are developing scalable, autonomous technologies to support resilient year-round fruit and vegetable production in Canada.
We bring together leading researchers in engineering, manufacturing, and plant science working closely with industry partners, growers, and government collaborators. Our work integrates cutting-edge research with practical, real-world applications, tackling critical challenges in food security, climate resilience, and sustainable technology development.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative and fast-paced research environment that values creativity, inclusivity, and impact. Together, we are building systems that can shape the future of agriculture, efficient, sustainable, and homegrown.
The opportunity
Overview: We are seeking two (2) Horticultural Technicians to support large-scale indoor raspberry production as part of the Weston Family Foundation’s Homegrown Innovation Challenge. This is a hands-on, production-focused role supporting the daily operation of a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) system. Technicians will work closely with the Master Grower to execute crop production activities and maintain high-performance growing conditions. This role is ideal for recent graduates or senior undergraduate students interested in gaining experience in greenhouse production, vertical farming, and commercial horticulture systems.
Key Responsibilities
1. Crop Production & Plant Care
- Perform day-to-day plant care activities, including:
- Planting and transplanting
- Pruning, training, and trellising raspberry plants
- Harvesting fruit
- Maintain plant health and uniformity across large numbers of plants
- Execute production tasks efficiently and consistently
2. System Operation & Monitoring
- Assist with irrigation and fertigation routines
- Monitor environmental conditions (light, humidity, airflow, temperature)
- Support operation of automated growing systems
3. Facility Maintenance & Sanitation
- Maintain clean and organized growing spaces
- Remove plant waste and support sanitation protocols
- Assist in maintaining biosecurity and pest management practices
4. Data Collection (Supporting Role)
Record basic production and plant performance data, including:
- Yield and harvest weights
- Plant growth observations
- Follow established protocols for consistent data collection
- Support trial activities as directed by the Master Grower
5. Trial & Operations Support
- Assist with implementation of structured production trials
- Follow SOPs for treatment application, plant tagging, and measurements
- Work as part of a team to ensure smooth execution of both production and trial activities
Qualifications:
Required
- Currently enrolled in, or graduated within the past year from, a university program in:
- Strong interest in plant production and controlled environment agriculture
- Ability to perform physically active work (standing, lifting, repetitive tasks)
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols
Preferred
- Familiarity with plant care, irrigation systems, or crop production
- Interest in pursuing a career in horticulture, CEA, or Agtech
How to Apply:
Please send the following materials to Habiba Bougherara ([email protected]) and Lesley Campbell ([email protected]).
- Expression of interest outlining your fit for the position
- CV and résume
Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at [email protected].
- Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
- We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please reach out to to Human Resources:
- Current employees can contact HR by logging into AskHR to submit a request.
- External candidates who do not have TMU login credentials can contact HR by visiting torontomu.ca/human-resources/askhr/.
- All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
