HEAD GROWER / PLANT HEALTH MANAGER

Avery Family Farms; Okanagan Falls; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Avery Family Farms is seeking a Head Grower / Plant Health Manager for a 6-9 month contract role to manage crop health and pest control in vertical farming. This full-time position requires strong knowledge of plant health and environmental controls, with relocation accommodation provided for the right candidate.

Benefits

Accommodation provided during contract

Relocation support

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with environmental controls and fertigation systems preferred.
• Strong foundational knowledge of hydroponics and integrated pest management.

Responsibilities

• Monitor crop health across multiple grow rooms.
• Lead pesticide-free integrated pest management programs.
• Ensure compliance with CanadaGAP food safety standards.

Skills

Plant Health

Environmental Systems

Integrated Pest Management

Proactive Organization

Observational Skills

Education

Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field

Job description

Full-Time | 6-9 Month+ Contract | Onsite: Okanagan Falls, BC | Accommodation Provided

At Avery Family Farms, we grow more than produce, we nourish communities with fresh, sustainable, Canadian-grown food. As we continue to evolve, we’re looking for a Head Grower / Plant Health Manager to step in while our longstanding Plant Health Manager is on leave.

This is a full-time, on-site contract role (6-9 months+) based at our Okanagan Falls vertical farming facility. We’re open to candidates from across Canada and will provide accommodation for the right person. If you’re passionate about controlled environment agriculture (CEA), plant science, and food systems innovation, this is a unique opportunity to make real impact while building experience with a values-led, purpose-driven farm.

What You’ll Do

Crop Production & System Oversight

●Monitor crop health and performance across multiple grow rooms.

●Oversee environmental system settings (lighting, temperature, fertigation, water, airflow).

●Track and adjust EC, pH, and climate settings to maximize growth and minimize stress.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

●Lead Avery’s pesticide-free IPM program, using preventative and biological methods.

●Conduct regular inspections and monitoring for early pest/pathogen detection.

●Maintain compliance with CanadaGAP and internal protocols through documentation.

●Train farm staff on pest ID, hygiene, and containment protocols.

Food Safety & Quality Assurance

●Ensure all plant health practices align with Avery’s CanadaGAP certification and food safety standards.

●Work with the QA team to identify and address sanitation or quality issues.

Collaboration & Leadership

●Work closely with the Farming Operations Manager and General Manager to align plant health efforts with harvest and production goals.

●Share updates and insights with the broader leadership team.

●Help guide and support team members in best practices, troubleshooting, and innovation.

Continuous Improvement & R&D

●Identify opportunities to improve plant vitality, reduce waste, and increase system efficiency.

●Contribute to trials for new seed varieties or techniques.

●Foster a learning mindset and a collaborative problem-solving culture.

What We’re Looking For

●Able to work full-time onsite in Okanagan Falls, BC; relocation accommodation provided.

●Hands-on experience with environmental controls, fertigation, or vertical farming systems a plus.

●Open communicator aligned with Avery’s values—especially Committed to Quality, Purpose Driven, and Open and Honest.

●Strong foundational knowledge of plant health, hydroponic growing, and IPM.

●Organized, proactive, and detail-oriented with excellent observational skills.

●Degree or experience in Horticulture, Plant Science, Controlled Environment Agriculture, or a related field.

Why Join Avery Now?

We’re a growing team driven by a shared commitment to doing things differently. At Avery, our culture is rooted in our vision: to elevate lives with fresh, sustainable produce that nourishes communities and the planet. This purpose shapes how we support our team, collaborate with partners, and serve our customers. Here, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a high-tech growing environment—while contributing to meaningful, purpose-driven work.

Contract Details

●Start date: As soon as possible (Summer 2025)

●Duration: 6–9 months+ (leave coverage)

●Compensation: $65,000 to $75,000 per year based on experience + relocation support.

●Accommodation: Provided near the farm for the duration of the contract