ABOUT US:
Harster Greenhouses Inc. is a multinational greenhouse operation that grows, decorates, markets, and ships houseplants and flowers to retail chain-stores across the United States and Canada. We focus on growing unique plants efficiently and sustainably, implementing eco-friendly practices using cutting-edge controlled environment technologies.
JOB OVERVIEW:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and knowledgeable Cultivation Technician to serve as the primary eyes on crop health throughout the greenhouses. This role is dedicated to the hands-on observation, identification, and documentation of biological, environmental, and phytosanitary conditions as they relate to living plant material at every stage of the growth cycle. The Cultivation Technician works independently in the greenhouse environment and reports all findings directly to the production manager, serving as a critical link between field-level observations and management-level decision making.
Work Schedule:
- Full time, 42.5 hours per week
- Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
- 2 X 15-minute daily paid breaks - mid-morning & mid-afternoon
- 1 X 30-minute daily unpaid lunch
- Plus, some weekends during peak planting and growing activities
Main Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
IPM & Crop Health Scouting
- Conduct routine, systematic scouting walks across all greenhouse zones, observing and documenting pest, disease, mite, pathogen, and abiotic stress indicators at each crop stage
- Identify, map, and track pest and disease pressure over time using scouting logs, sticky trap counts, and population trend records
- Monitor beneficial insect and biocontrol agent populations, evaluating distribution and effectiveness across zones
- Develop and continuously refine an IPM strategy tailored to current crop types and pest pressures, recommending biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls based on findings and established action thresholds
- Coordinate with the Production Manager on product selection, application timing, and rotation schedules to minimize resistance development
- Evaluate and document IPM intervention outcomes to inform future recommendations
Crop Progress & Traceability
- Review incoming plant shipments, verify quantities, condition and document any pest, disease, or quality concerns prior to greenhouse entry
- Track plant material from intake through propagation, production zones, recording movements, discards, and key development milestones
- Communicate to the Production Manager all activities related to crop batches and when growth deviations require operational attention
Sanitation & Compliance
- Conduct regular greenhouse inspections for sanitation risks, preparing written reports with observations and corrective action recommendations
- Maintain all records required under the Plant Protection Act, CFIA plant health surveillance programs, pesticide application logs, and internal quality standards, ensuring documentation is complete and audit-ready
Reporting & Documentation
- Provide the Production Manager with regular structured scouting reports and updates on crop health trends, IPM program progress, and compliance standing
- Support trial or variety tracking as needed, capturing relevant data points to inform future production decisions
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post-secondary education in plant science, biology, agriculture, or a related field
- Formal training or certification in Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- License to apply IPM products or ability to obtain Ontario license
-Direct knowledge of CFIA regulations, the Plant Protection Act, and greenhouse phytosanitary compliance requirements
- Minimum of three (3) years’ experience scouting for pests and diseases in a greenhouse or controlled environment agriculture setting
- Strong knowledge of common greenhouse pests, beneficial insects, and plant pathogens affecting ornamental crops
- Experience maintaining regulatory and compliance documentation
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook) for record keeping and report writing
Note: this description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. Responsibilities, tasks, and duties might differ from those outlined and other duties may be assigned.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
- Highly observant with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to detect subtle changes in plant appearance
- Strong written communication skills — able to produce clear, organized reports that non-technical stakeholders can act on
- Self-directed and capable of managing a structured scouting schedule with minimal supervision
- Analytical thinker who can assess trends across multiple crop zones and draw meaningful conclusions from field observations
- Collaborative and communicative, with the ability to convey urgent findings clearly to the Production Manager
- Committed to regulatory compliance and thorough record keeping
- Adaptable to changing pest pressures and seasonal crop cycles
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to perform sustained physical activity including walking, standing, bending, and crouching throughout extended scouting sessions
- Comfortable working in hot, humid greenhouse conditions for extended periods
- Ability to lift, push/pull up to 23 kgs (50 lbs) as required
- Dexterity required for close examination of plant material, including handling of sticky traps and sample collection
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Personal transportation required (facility is not serviced by public transit)
- Ability to work a flexible schedule during peak planting and growing periods
COMPENSATION:
- Pay Rate - $25.00 to $30.00 per hour, dependent upon knowledge and experience
- Benefits - Health Spend Account, after 6 months of continuous employment
- Performance-based bonus – eligibility as per internal policy
- Vacation entitlement - as per requirements under the Ontario ESA 2000
WORK LOCATION:
- 250 Highway 8, Dundas, ON L9H 5E1
- On-site only
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applications are through Indeed only with a resume. A brief cover letter is appreciated. Applications will be reviewed by members of the hiring team. AI tools will NOT be used to screen applications. Only candidates that meet the job requirements will be contacted for an interview. We wish everyone the best in their job search.
Job Types: Permanent, Full-time
Pay: $25.00-$30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- West Flamborough, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Do you have one of the following:
- a Canadian citizen OR
- a permanent resident of Canada OR
- a temporary resident of Canada with a valid work permit.
Work Location: In person
