Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Grower to join our horticultural team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for cultivating and maintaining healthy plants, ensuring optimal growth conditions, and supporting the overall health of our garden or farm. This role offers an opportunity to work outdoors in a dynamic environment, contributing to the production of high-quality plants and crops. The Grower will play a vital part in implementing irrigation systems, managing plant health, and assisting with general gardening tasks to promote a thriving cultivation operation.
About UP Vertical Farms
- UP Vertical Farms is a pioneering Canadian leader in sustainable indoor agriculture, combining over a decade of innovation in agri-technology, automation, and environmentally responsible food production. We grow premium leafy greens year-round in a fully controlled, soil-free environment that uses 99% less water and zero pesticides.
- Our mission is to redefine how fresh food is grown and delivered; locally, sustainably, and efficiently. Through advanced vertical farming systems, we supply consistently high-quality produce to grocers and consumers across Western Canada.
- As a growing and collaborative team, we take pride in our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community impact. At UP Vertical Farms, every role contributes to building a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient food system for the future
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- UP Vertical Farms is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that reflects and respects the communities we serve. Guided by the principles of Human Rights, we ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and free from discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital or family status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other protected characteristic. We believe that embracing different perspectives strengthens our team, drives innovation, and allows every employee to reach their full potential in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee all grow operations, including propagation, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling of crops within vertical farming systems.
- Develop and implement growing strategies to optimize yield, quality, and consistency
- Manage environmental control systems, including lighting, irrigation, nutrients, EC, pH, temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate grow team members, including Grow Supervisors and labourers.
- Establish team schedules, delegate tasks, and ensure alignment with production targets
- Analyze crop performance data and environmental metrics to drive continuous improvement
- Plan, execute, and evaluate R&D grow trials and implement approved innovations
- Ensure compliance with food safety programs, sanitation protocols, and regulatory requirements
- Oversee integrated pest management (IPM) programs and respond to plant health issues
- Maintain accurate records related to crop production, trials, sanitation, and operational performance
- Manage R&D initiatives by assisting with grow trials, data collection, and implementation of approved process improvements.
- 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.
- Lead and manage transplanting activities, ensuring seedlings meet quality standards, are properly spaced, and receive appropriate nutrients and environmental conditions.
- Ensure all equipment, systems, and facilities are maintained in proper working condition
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and product quality
- Manage inventory, supplies, and procurement related to grow operations
- Support budgeting and cost-control initiatives related to production
- Ensure adherence to Occupational Health & Safety policies, including training, PPE use, and safe handling procedures
- Participate in emergency response planning and provide on-call support as required
- Ensure cleaning and sanitation of grow areas, including vertical grow modules, hydroponic systems, irrigation lines, and ancillary equipment, in accordance with established protocols.
- Plan 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.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Agriculture, plant science, environmental engineering, biology, or a closely related horticulture field
- Must be eligible to work in Canada.
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in commercial growing, greenhouse operations, or CEA systems
- Minimum 2 years of leadership or management experience
- Experience with hydroponic or vertical farming systems is an asset.
- Experience with food safety programs, sanitation protocols, and record keeping is an asset.
- Forklift certification is an asset.
- Steel-toe safety footwear required.
- Experience with food safety programs (e.g., HACCP), sanitation, and compliance systems
Work schedule:
- Full-time: Monday-Friday
- Mornings, Days, evenings shifts or night shifts as needed.
- Shift times may vary depending on crop cycles and business requirements.
Pay: $90,000.00-$110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
