Greenhouse Automation & Controls Technician

WHO WE ARE:

Did you know that over 5 billion trees started their lives as PRT seedlings?

From our roots in 1988, when a group of dedicated employees banded together to purchase six seedling nurseries, PRT has grown into North America's largest forest seedling provider.

Today, with 28 nurseries and 18 seed orchards across the US and Canada, producing over 630 million high-quality seedlings annually. We're proud to play a vital role in supporting reforestation and sustainable forestry practices across the continent.

With a significant number of our employees as shareholders, we're a company driven by shared success and a passion for environmental stewardship. We provide the foundation for healthier forests and a greener future.

We would love for you to be a part of what we re growing!

WHAT WE VALUE:

• Nurturing Relationships: We believe in building strong, authentic connections with our customers, our colleagues, and our communities.
• Driving Excellence: We're committed to delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations in all that we do.
• People-First Mindset: We prioritize the well-being and development of our employees, fostering a culture of respect, support, and collaboration.
• Making a Difference: We're passionate about contributing to a healthier planet and creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Do you thrive on nurturing growth and seeing the fruits of your labor flourish? Are you passionate about trees and fostering sustainable forestry practices?

At PRT, we're seeking a highly motivated Greenhouse Automated Controls Specialist to join our passionate team of tree-loving environmental enthusiasts, reporting to our Director of Crop Production. You'll be a driving force behind optimizing our greenhouse control systems, ensuring our seedlings thrive in the most efficient and sustainable way possible. This is a unique opportunity to blend your love of technology with your passion for horticulture, making a real impact on our growing operations.

The ideal candidate will be based within driving distance of any PRT Nursery and be comfortable with 50% travel to our nursery sites. You ll work alongside other crop advisors and nursery staff who are based across our operating regions.

If you are based near Vernon BC or Hubbard Oregan, that would be ideal.

Here's a glimpse into your day-to-day:

• Morning: Start your day by reviewing system performance data across our network of nurseries, identifying any potential issues and proactively addressing them.
• Mid-morning: Collaborate with our software development team on integrating new sensor technology into our Argus control system, enhancing real-time monitoring capabilities.
• Afternoon: Lead a virtual training session for growers at one of our sites, guiding them on best practices for utilizing the Argus system to optimize irrigation and fertigation.
• Late afternoon: Plan an upcoming site visit to a nursery in British Columbia, where you'll assess their current hardware setup and provide recommendations for upgrades.

WHO YOU ARE:

You're a tech-savvy plant enthusiast who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You're passionate about using technology to improve efficiency and sustainability. You're a natural problem-solver who loves to work on automated systems, optimize their performance, and find creative solutions to challenges. You enjoy getting your hands dirty with hardware installations or sensor calibrations, seeing projects through from initial planning to successful implementation. You also really enjoy sharing your knowledge and empowering others through training and mentorship, ensuring everyone on the team can confidently utilize these powerful tools.

Do you love digging into the intricacies of automated systems while surrounded by the lush greenery of a greenhouse? If so, this role might be your perfect fit!

Location: This role can be based from any PRT site.

WHAT YOU ll DO:

Here's how you'll make a difference at PRT:

Technology Leadership:

• Support the transition of all nursery sites to a standardized Argus software version, ensuring seamless operation and optimal system usage across our network.
• Implement and maintain cutting-edge technologies in greenhouse automation, data collection, and real-time monitoring, driving continuous improvement in our operations.

Operational Excellence:

• Develop and implement standards for inputs and sensors per facility type, balancing cost-effectiveness and risk mitigation.
• Partner with PRT's in-house software development team to support seamless integrations between PRT's crop management system and automated control systems.
• Coordinate external service providers for major hardware updates and maintain service contracts with automated controls systems providers, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.

Knowledge Sharing & Empowerment:

• Create and deliver engaging training programs for Growers, Managers, and Repair & Maintenance staff on Argus systems and best practices, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and growth.

Data-Driven Optimization:

• Track key performance indicators (KPIs), including system uptime, response times to support tickets, and crop health metrics, using data to drive informed decision-making.

Continuous Improvement:

• Contribute to the development of PRT s overall approach to Crop Support by actively participating in team discussions, workshops, and planning sessions, always seeking ways to enhance our processes.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• Post Secondary education in a technical field such as Computer Science or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience programming and managing greenhouse control systems
• Demonstrated expertise in Argus systems (Classic Argus and Titan), or another similar greenhouse control system.
• Deep understanding of greenhouse control systems, including irrigation, fertigation, and environmental monitoring.
• Basic knowledge of plant physiology and disease management.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting..
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis abilities.
• Proactive, with a keen eye for identifying risks and opportunities.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• A collaborative team player with a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Working Conditions

• This position is based in any of PRT s nurseries (depending on your citizenship) and with frequent travel to PRT nursery sites across Canada and the USA.
• A portion of working time will be spent outdoors in varying and often times intense weather conditions. The role requires the ability to conduct in-person crop walks and communicate effectively via phone and virtual meetings.

Alignment with PRT's Values

• Safety First, Growth Always! Working safely together, every day.
• Passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Strong work ethic and dedication to excellence.

TOTAL REWARDS AT PRT:

Grow Your Career, Cultivate Your Potential. At PRT, we believe in nurturing talent as carefully as we nurture our forests. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package is designed to help you thrive professionally and personally.

Financial Rewards

• Bonus Incentive Program: Rewarding individual and team performance
• Matching RRSP/401k Programs: Supporting your long-term financial planning
• Salary Range: is based on experience and location (US or Canada).

Comprehensive Benefits

• Extended health, vision, and dental coverage
• Paid Vacation
• Relocation allowance (where applicable)
• Tuition reimbursement support

Professional Development

• Development Support: Personalized guidance to accelerate your career growth
• Learning-Focused Culture: Continuous skill development built into every role
• Recognition for innovative contributions that drive our business forward

Unique Green Cultural Advantages

• Collaborative, inclusive work environment
• Passion for nature solutions and the earth
• Every voice matters
• Year-round stability and growth
• Strong commitment to environmental sustainability
• Passionate team dedicated to stewardship of North American forests

Join PRT and be part of a mission-driven organization where your professional growth is as important as the forests we help to grow. Here, you're not just an employee you're a vital part of our ecosystem of innovation and environmental stewardship.

Ready to grow your career with PRT?

Apply now through our career portal: Grow Your Career | PRT Growing Services Ltd.

DE&I:

At PRT, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that our strength comes from the unique perspectives and experiences of our people. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.

Accessibility:
To learn more about our commitment to an accessible workplace and available disability accommodations throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at human.resources@prt.com

Still want to learn more?

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