Position Overview
UP Vertical Farms, a pioneering leader in sustainable vertical farming and agri-technology is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Grower Supervisor to join our Grow team. This permanent, full-time role is integral to ensuring the successful cultivation of high-quality, locally grown leafy greens using advanced 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.
This position reports to the Grower Manager and works closely with Operations, R&D, and Quality teams. Work hours are primarily scheduled during daytime shifts, with some weekend and occasional evening work required based on production needs and research activities.
The Grower Supervisor is responsible for day-to-day plant cultivation activities throughout the full crop lifecycle. Primary duties include seeding, germination monitoring, transplanting, spacing, irrigation, harvesting, and ongoing assessment of plant health and quality. The role involves 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.
Additional responsibilities include supporting R&D grow trials, collecting biological and environmental data, identifying opportunities for system and process improvements, and implementing approved changes. The Grower is expected to recognize and respond to plant diseases and pests, follow integrated pest management best practices, and assist with planning crop and labour schedules. The role also includes maintaining grow equipment, performing routine maintenance and clean-in-place procedures, organizing inventory, and ensuring all equipment and facilities meet hygiene and food safety standards.
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 the Grower Manager and management team based on crop quality and consistency, adherence to safety and food quality standards, accuracy of data and documentation, reliability, teamwork, and contribution to UP Vertical Farms’ mission of producing safe, sustainable, and high-quality food for local communities year-round.
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
Include but are not limited to:
- 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.
Qualifications
- Must be eligible to work in Canada.
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
- 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 food safety programs, sanitation protocols, and record keeping is an asset.
- Forklift certification is an asset.
- Steel-toe safety footwear required.
Skills and Abilities
- 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: $55,000–$65,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
- Benefits package includes extended health care, dental care, vision care, life insurance
- On-site parking.
Work schedule:
- Full-time position with weekly rotating shifts: Monday to Friday and Tuesday to Saturday
- Mornings, Days, evenings shifts, night shifts or Sundays as needed.
- Shift times may vary depending on crop cycles and business requirements.
Training:
- On-site and on-the-job training
To Apply:
Email Resume to the HR and Administration Manager: [email protected]
Job Types: Permanent, Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00-$65,000.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
Flexible language requirement:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Pitt Meadows, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Horticulture/Greenhouse: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- B.C. Class 5 Driver's License (required)
Work Location: In person
