Grower

UP Vertical Farms; Pitt Meadows; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental care

Extended health care

Life insurance

On-site parking

Job summary

UP Vertical Farms in Canada’s British Columbia region seeks a Grower to lead daily horticultural operations and supervise a dedicated team. You will oversee seed-to-harvest processes in vertical farming systems, monitor environmental controls, and ensure crop quality and safety across leafy greens.

Qualified candidates have 2–3 years in horticulture or CEA, experience with hydroponics or vertical farming, and are eligible to work in Canada.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, plant science, environmental engineering, biology, or closely related horticulture field.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily grow operations, including seeding, germination, transplanting, cultivation and harvesting of leafy greens within vertical farming systems.
• Lead and support grow team members during manual and semi-automated harvesting activities, ensuring produce is handled efficiently and without damage.
• Oversee quality control processes by inspecting crops at various growth stages and ensuring harvested greens meet quality and food safety standards.
• Monitor environmental controls, including lighting, irrigation, nutrients, EC, pH, temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels.
• Maintain accurate electronic records related to crop performance, grow trials, sanitation, inventory, and operational checklists.

Skills

Grow operations supervision

Hydroponics

Vertical farming

Record keeping

Safety protocols

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Plant Science

Tools

Irrigation systems

EC/pH meters

Forklift certification

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Grower to join our horticultural team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about plant cultivation and possess a strong understanding of gardening practices, irrigation systems, and mechanical tools. This role offers an opportunity to work outdoors in a dynamic environment, contributing directly to the growth and health of our plants. The Grower will play a vital part in maintaining the quality and productivity of our crops, ensuring optimal conditions for healthy plant development.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily grow operations, including seeding, germination, transplanting, cultivation, and harvesting of leafy greens within vertical farming systems.
• Lead and support grow team members during manual and semi-automated harvesting activities, ensuring produce is handled efficiently and without damage.
• Oversee quality control processes by inspecting crops at various stages of the growth cycle and ensuring harvested greens meet established quality and food safety standards.
• Monitor and manage transplanting activities, ensuring seedlings meet quality standards, are properly spaced, and receive appropriate nutrients and environmental conditions.
• Monitor, adjust, and verify environmental controls, including lighting, irrigation, nutrients, EC, pH, temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels, to optimize plant health and yield.
• Ensure grow equipment, tools, and systems are operating efficiently and safely; identify issues and coordinate corrective actions or maintenance as required.
• Maintain accurate electronic records related to crop performance, grow trials, sanitation, inventory, and operational checklists.
• Support R&D initiatives by assisting with grow trials, data collection, and implementation of approved process improvements.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and Occupational Health & Safety requirements, including proper use of PPE and safe handling of chemicals.
• Oversee cleaning and sanitation of grow areas, including vertical grow modules, hydroponic systems, irrigation lines, and ancillary equipment, in accordance with established protocols.
• Assist with planning crop schedules and labour requirements, providing input to management on staffing and operational needs.
• Train, coach, and support grow staff on standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and best practices.
• Communicate issues, observations, and recommendations to the Senior Grower and management in a timely manner.
• Perform other related duties as required

Requirements

• Must be eligible to work in Canada.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
• Bachelors degree in Agriculture, plant science, environmental engineering, biology, or a closely related horticulture field
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in horticulture, greenhouse operations, or controlled environment agriculture (CEA), preferably in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Background or education in agriculture, horticulture, or a related field.
• Experience with hydroponic or vertical farming systems is an asset.
• Experience with growing, sanitation protocols, and record keeping is an asset.
• Forklift certification is an asset.
• Full-time
• Rotational Shifts: Monday-Friday, Tuesday-Saturday
• Mornings, Days, evenings shifts or night shifts as needed.
• Shift times may vary depending on crop cycles and business requirements.
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Pitt Meadows, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)