Greenhouse Operator - Minimum and Medium Security Units

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Responsible for the maintenance and daily operation of the greenhouse. Responsible for promoting efficient production, handling and distribution of greenhouse crops in support of rehabilitation programs; provide training and maintenance on horticultural and agricultural machinery for staff and patients. Active supervision and support of patients in all greenhouse programs. Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations including the B.C. Plant Protection Act.

Duties/Accountabilities:

Operates the greenhouse by: 1. Actively constructing, repairing, and maintaining the greenhouse facilities including the greenhouses, container and propagation beds and related equipment; 2. Ordering and stocking all supplies required for operation of the greenhouse facility. 3. Maintaining a safe and clean worksite in accordance with WCB, FPS and industry standards 4. Ensuring equipment and supplies, such as but not limited to tools, materials and chemicals used in the program are stored appropriately and accounted for 5. Identifying supply and equipment needs and assisting in budget submissions as required. 6. Designing, constructing and modifying greenhouse facility systems 7. Managing all aspects of container and field culture crops in the greenhouse facility; 8. Effectively maintaining and using of the Argus computer system Supporting and facilitating rehabilitation programs by: 1. Assisting the Greenhouse Support Worker by actively supporting patients in hospital programs and community work placements and by facilitating the establishment of patient programs within the greenhouse. 2. Participating in the implementation of identified treatment plans for patients as required 3. Training and supervising patients in the Greenhouse in all aspects of horticulture and greenhouse maintenance. 4. Maintaining and applying knowledge in mental health trends; program delivery techniques and methodologies to the Greenhouse operations and programs. 5. Training and supervising patients and staff in the routine maintenance and operation of horticultural machinery. 6. Developing and maintaining Greenhouse/Horticultural industry contacts and partnerships Propagating and producing plants to support rehabilitative patient programs by: 1. Monitoring weed, insect and disease pests and determining and implementing appropriate control procedures including referring special problems to appropriate specialist. 2. Inspecting the greenhouses for regulated insect and disease pests as specified by the B.C. Plant Protection Act and related Regulations Enhance both the greenhouse facilities and patient programs by: 1. Conducting research on greenhouse operations and management and providing recommendations to assigned Coordinator 2. Maintaining current with horticultural literature; greenhouse operations and pesticides application in accordance with relevant legislation. 3. Recommending and implementing control measures in accordance with relevant legislation. 4. Establishing and managing greenhouse crop trials for development and demonstration; 5. Arranging scheduled maintenance of all greenhouse and horticultural machinery and keeping maintenance records of all machines 6. Making repairs to equipment as required. Performs other related duties by: 1. Participating in the orientation of new staff 2. Collecting and compiling statistical data as required 3. Perform regular security functions to maintain the safety and security of patients, staff, families and the general public; reporting of all real and potential risk issues

Qualifications:

Education/Experience: A Greenhouse Management diploma or Greenhouse Production citation and equivalent experience. Skills, Abilities, Competencies Have the ability to manage and run a greenhouse, train staff and patients. Able to operate all horticultural and agricultural machinery. Minimum Class 5 Driver’s licence. Greenhouse pesticide applicators certificate required. Demonstrated ability to work with patients on a day-to-day basis.