Oberland Agriscience Inc. is a sustainable black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) farm in Halifax, NS. We are dedicated to closing the food loop in our region and making a positive contribution to our planet. Oberland’s high-performing team rears BSFL in our zero-waste facility, delivering exceptional productivity per hectare and yielding nutrient-rich, low-environmental impact products.
Partnering with local food producers and distributors, Oberland upcycles organic waste and food production by-products such as spent grains from local craft breweries to grow BSFL on an industrial scale. Oberland actively plays a role in a more sustainable circular economy in Atlantic Canada. Oberland generates high-quality sustainable protein products from the larvae, marketed and sold under the Obie’s BSFL brand, and is seeking certification on an insect-derived fertilizer product for home gardens and agricultural lands.
Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled and hands-on Maintenance Technician to support operations at our Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production facility. This role is critical to maintaining optimal environmental conditions, equipment reliability, and overall plant uptime. The ideal candidate has strong experience with HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, and industrial maintenance, and is comfortable working in an agricultural or bio-industrial setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on mechanical systems, production equipment, conveyors, pumps, motors, and related infrastructure
- Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic issues to minimize downtime
- Maintain and repair BSF-specific equipment such as climate-controlled rearing rooms, drying systems, and material handling systems
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot HVAC, ventilation, humidification, and temperature control systems critical to insect production
- Monitor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, airflow) and adjust systems to ensure optimal rearing conditions
- Coordinate repairs or upgrades to HVAC and climate systems as required
- Conduct routine inspections of facility systems and equipment
- Maintain accurate maintenance logs and service records
- Ensure all work complies with workplace safety standards, biosecurity protocols, and provincial regulations
- Assist with equipment installation, upgrades, and commissioning of new systems
- Identify opportunities to improve reliability, energy efficiency, and maintenance processes
- Support production teams during peak operations or system failures
Qualifications & Experience
- Diploma or certification in Mechanical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, HVAC, or a related trade
- 3+ years of experience in maintenance, preferably in agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, or industrial environments
- Strong working knowledge of HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, and general facility maintenance
- Ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment independently
- Comfortable working in warm, humid, and agricultural environments
- HVAC certification or Red Seal trade certification (or working toward) considered an asset
- Experience with automated systems, sensors, or PLC-controlled equipment considered an asset
- Familiarity with biosecurity, food safety, or agricultural production facilities considered an asset
Skills & Attributes
- Strong problem-solving and diagnostic skills
- Mechanically inclined with attention to detail
- Reliable, adaptable, and able to work independently or as part of a team
- Good communication skills and a safety-first mindset
Work Environment
- Indoor production facility with controlled climate conditions
- May involve lifting, standing for extended periods, and exposure to insects and organic materials
- On-Call Scheduling for evenings and weekend coverage
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $30.00-$37.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
