Lead CEA Research Specialist

About the role

The Lead CEA Research Specialist will direct crop production research in controlled environment facilities such as greenhouses, growth chambers and growtainers. The role focuses on maximizing yield and quality while collaborating with faculty, staff and external vendors.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and program greenhouse control systems (Hoogendoorn IIVO, Heliospectra HelioCORE, Microgrow ProComm II, JCI Metasys).
• Troubleshoot, diagnose and repair low‑voltage control panels, logic controllers, actuators, valves, motors and relays.
• Design, install and maintain irrigation systems and nutrient injectors.
• Manage hydroponic systems (rockwool, emitter, NFT), mix nutrients, calibrate injectors and monitor EC, pH and TDS.
• Operate, troubleshoot and maintain HVAC equipment and water loops.
• Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) within controlled environments.
• Lead, mentor and evaluate a team of CEA facilities coordinators.
• Develop and deliver training programs on best practices and SOPs.

Required profile

• Experience in controlled environment agriculture and greenhouse research.
• Proven ability to lead and supervise technical staff.
• Strong collaborative skills with academic and vendor partners.
• Technical expertise in greenhouse, irrigation, hydroponic and HVAC systems.

Required skills

• Hoogendoorn IIVO control system
• Heliospectra HelioCORE lighting system
• Microgrow ProComm II controller
• JCI Metasys building management system
• Low‑voltage control panel troubleshooting
• Irrigation design and nutrient injection
• Hydroponic system operation (rockwool, emitter, NFT)
• EC, pH and TDS monitoring
• HVAC equipment maintenance
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles