Institute Sustainable Horticulture Research Assistant Pool - Competition

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Competition : 4797
Internal Closing Date: October 2, 2026
External Closing Date: October 2, 2026
# of Openings: 5
Salary Information: Casual Employee - Hourly Rate
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time
Workplace Type: On-Site
Travel Frequency: Occasional travel between campuses is required.
Employee Group: Casual Employee
Days of Work (BCGEU):
Hours of Work (BCGEU):
Hours per Week (BCGEU):

Research Assistants report to The Director, and various project leaders involved in research with the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture.

The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture partners with agricultural and agri-technology companies in our region to support innovation with research and development projects that promote sustainability in the sector. Current projects include developing microbial biocontrol products for pests and diseases, natural soil amendments and inoculants, biofertilizers, agritech applications, alternate growing systems, and soil microbial health. Work hours and start dates are dependent on external research grants and can be either part‑time or full‑time.

• Greenhouse and growth chamber plant trials with biostimulants, biocontrols
• Laboratory trials with beneficial microbes involving sterile technique, monitoring growth and interactions
• Maintaining greenhouse crops, transplanting, pruning, harvesting, IPM scouting, releasing bios, cleaning pots, and general greenhouse support
• Soil sample collecting and processing
• Support field trials off site
• Collect, record and analyze data, assist with data interpretation and contemplate what, why and how
• Other duties as assigned

These positions are suitable for students and new graduates with interest in biocontrol and horticulture, e.g. Horticulture Diploma, Plant Health Degree. The work requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to stay focused when performing repeated tasks. Some positions require travel between KPU and field sites.

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $21.00

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top‑up, sick leave, long‑term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

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