Grower Manager

About the job

Grower Manager

Company: UP Vertical Farms

Position Type: Permanent

Location: Pitt Meadows, BC

Salary: CA$75,000.00–CA$80,000.00 per year

Position Overview

UP Vertical Farms, a pioneering leader in sustainable vertical farming and agri-technology, is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Grower Manager to join our Grow/R&D team. This permanent, full-time role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant production, crop strategy, and grow operations within our controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. The ideal candidate brings hands-on grower experience, a strong understanding of plant health and cultivation principles, and a commitment to food safety, innovation, and sustainability.

The Grower Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the consistent production of high-quality leafy greens while driving innovation, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate brings advanced horticultural expertise, leadership experience, and a strong commitment to food safety, sustainability, and team development.

This position reports to the CEO and works closely with Operations, Accounting, HR, Marketing and Food Safety/Quality teams. Work hours are primarily scheduled during daytime shifts, with additional evening, weekend, and on-call responsibilities required based on production demands and system needs.

The Grower Manager is also accountable for ensuring compliance with food safety programs, sanitation standards, and Occupational Health & Safety requirements. This includes overseeing equipment maintenance, plant health, grow system performance, quality control, R&D, SR&ED projects, ensuring proper documentation and traceability of all production data. Additional duties include but are not limited to the oversight of seeding, germination monitoring, transplanting, spacing, irrigation, harvesting, and ongoing assessment of plant health and quality. Overseeing the monitoring and calibrating environmental and nutritional inputs (including nutrients, EC, pH, temperature, humidity, CO₂, and oxygen levels), completing daily operational checklists, and documenting data related to crop performance, trials, and sanitation.

Work is performed in climate-controlled indoor grow rooms, greenhouses, and R&D facilities, with some outdoor exposure as required. The position involves standing for extended periods, repetitive tasks, and lifting items up to 25 lbs. The Grower must adhere to all Occupational Health & Safety requirements, including the use of personal protective equipment, safe chemical handling, and compliance with food safety and worker safety policies. Use of computerized control systems, ERP software, and Microsoft Office tools is required, and the role may involve assisting with QA/Food Safety testing and data entry when needed.

Performance is evaluated by senior leadership based on crop performance, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, team leadership, and contribution to UP Vertical Farms' mission of producing safe, sustainable, and high-quality food.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Grower Manager will oversee all grow operations and production functions by:

• Leading and overseeing all grow operations, including propagation, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling of crops within vertical farming systems.
• Developing and implementing growing strategies to optimize yield, quality, and consistency.
• Managing environmental control systems, including lighting, irrigation, nutrients, EC, pH, temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels.
• Supervising, mentoring, and evaluating grow team members, including Grow Supervisors and labourers.
• Establishing team schedules, delegating tasks, and ensuring alignment with production targets.
• Analyzing crop performance data and environmental metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensuring compliance with food safety programs, sanitation protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Overseeing integrated pest management (IPM) programs and responding to plant health issues.
• Maintaining accurate records related to crop production, trials, sanitation, and operational performance.
• Managing R&D initiatives by assisting with grow trials, data collection, and implementation of approved process improvements.
• Overseeing quality control processes by inspecting crops at various stages of the growth cycle and ensuring harvested greens meet established quality and food safety standards.
• Leading and managing transplanting activities, ensuring seedlings meet quality standards, are properly spaced, and receive appropriate nutrients and environmental conditions.
• Ensuring all equipment, systems, and facilities are maintained in proper working condition.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and product quality.
• Managing inventory, supplies, and procurement related to grow operations.
• Supporting budgeting and cost-control initiatives related to production.
• Ensuring adherence to Occupational Health & Safety policies, including training, PPE use, and safe handling procedures.
• Participating in emergency response planning and providing on-call support as required.
• Ensuring cleaning and sanitation of grow areas, including vertical grow modules, hydroponic systems, irrigation lines, and ancillary equipment, in accordance with established protocols.
• Planning crop schedules and labour requirements, providing input to management on staffing and operational needs.
• Training, coaching, and supporting grow staff on standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and best practices.
• Communicating issues, observations, and recommendations to the Senior Grower and management in a timely manner.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Background or education in agriculture, horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• 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.
• Experience with food safety programs (e.g., HACCP), sanitation, and compliance systems.
• Steel-toe safety footwear required.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of plant physiology, crop production, and environmental controls.
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Ability to respond effectively to operational challenges and plant health issues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate staff in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong observational and problem-solving skills to identify plant health issues, system inefficiencies, and operational risks.
• Physical stamina to perform and oversee manual tasks, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to safely handle crops during all stages of the grow cycle, including planting, maintenance, harvesting, sorting, and packing.
• Technical aptitude to operate, monitor, and assist with troubleshooting automated grow systems, sensors, and irrigation equipment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to provide instruction, document data, and report issues.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing production demands.
• Willingness to learn and implement new technologies, processes, and safety protocols.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed on-site at UP Vertical Farms.
• Professional, collaborative, and safety-focused work environment.
• Physically demanding role in climate-controlled indoor grow rooms and greenhouse facilities, with some outdoor exposure as required.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary range: $75,000–$80,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits package includes extended health care, dental care, vision care, life insurance.
• On-site parking.

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.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume to:

• 📧 careers@upverticalfarms.com