Planner Assistant

by Ontario Plants

Location: St. Thomas, Ontario
Date Posted: Mar 19, 2026
Ontario Plants

Job Description

Planner Assistant

 Full-time, Permanent
Location: Ontario Plants Propagation Limited (St. Thomas, Ontario)
Reports to: Planner Manager
Salary Range: $23 - $30 Hourly, plus performance-based incentive eligibility
 
The Company:
Ontario Plants is more than a propagation company; we’re shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. As a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), we specialize in producing high-quality starter plants for vegetables and soft fruits and deliver to greenhouse growers across North America. Our state-of-the-art facilities combine advanced technology, strict biosecurity, and year-round production to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are expanding our soft fruits program, making this an exciting time to join a team committed to growth, quality, and operational excellence. 

 

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly responsible, detail-oriented, and collaborative individual to support production planning processes. This role assists with planning activities, schedules, and workforce coordination to ensure operations run efficiently and according to plan. The position works closely with the Planning Manager and operational teams to help maintain accurate planning data and support planning systems such as Agriware and SmartPlant.

 The ideal candidate is proactive, eager to learn, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.


Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist the Planning Manager with planning coordination and scheduling activities to support production needs
  • Support the planning process by reviewing activities, updating dates, and ensuring schedules reflect the most current information
  • Support planning activities using labour tracking systems, such as Agriware and SmartPlant
  • Monitor and follow up on planning-related information received via email from other departments
  • Track and follow up on scheduled activities to ensure execution aligns with the plan
  • Assist with inventory tracking and reporting of products
  • Support the creation and maintenance of daily and weekly labour schedules
  • Coordinate and book transportation arrangements for personnel
  • Maintain on-call availability for transportation emergencies
  • Enter, update, and maintain planning information in company systems
  • Ensure planning data accuracy and consistency across systems
  • Communicate and collaborate with Team Leads in a consultative and respectful manner
  • Support continuous improvement in planning processes and data accuracy
  • Perform other related duties as required


Qualification and Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in operations, planning support, logistics, or coordination roles
  • Strong sense of responsibility and accountability
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Excellent soft skills: communication, teamwork, adaptability, and professionalism
  • Proactive attitude and willingness to learn
  • Ability to work in fast-paced environments with changing priorities

Technical Skills
 
  • Advanced Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  • Experience with Agriware, SmartPlant, or similar planning technologies
 
Schedule & Availability
 
  • Availability to work weekends as required
  • Work schedule may be either Sunday to Thursday to Saturday or Tuesday to Sunday
  • Start time between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., depending on operational needs
  • On-call availability for transportation-related emergencies
 
Additional Assets 
  • Spanish language skills (asset)
  • Experience working in environments with large teams and high-volume operations



 What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses. 
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, plus retirement savings plan. 
  • A pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. 
  • Opportunities for career advancement in a rapidly expanding organization. 
  • A dynamic and friendly work environment, with an active social committee organizing events such as sports activities, BBQs, and fun gatherings.
  • Thrive in a supportive, team-focused environment with work-life balance, team events, and perks like coffee/snack corners and referral bonuses.
 

Why Ontario Plants? 

Ontario Plants is Canada’s leading young plant propagator, serving major greenhouse vegetable and soft fruit growers across North America. As we expand our production capacity and innovation capabilities, this role offers the opportunity to shape the future of propagation and lead groundbreaking work in sustainable agriculture. 


Physical Location / Working Conditions:
  • The work location is in a rural area with limited access to public transportation. Candidates should have a reliable means of transportation
  • 35 – 55 hours per week, shifts may vary between day and evening
  • Ability to work long hours and weekends when required, especially during peak seasons
  • Working in high temperatures
 
This role is classified as an agricultural employee/farm employee. For more information on this classification, visit: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/factsheets/fs_agri.php
 
Wage: $23 - $30 Hourly, plus performance-based incentive eligibility


How to Apply:
Submit your resume via one of the following methods:

Ontario Plants Propagation Ltd. is committed to providing accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodation is available on request for candidates to take part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please contact Human Resources on 519-637-2119. This job posting is available in alternative formats upon request. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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