Assistant Grower

Job content

Position: Assistant Grower(Permanent, Full-time)

Reports to: Production Manager and Grow Supervisor

ABOUT US

At UP Vertical Farms, our mission is to become one of the largest and most sustainable indoor vertical farm producers of baby leafy greens by 2023, producing the safest, most nutritious, and best tasting salad greens. Our hands-free, high density, tech-driven vertical farm puts people and our planet first. It also supports the local economy by producing the most flavorful greens, picked at the peak of freshness, and delivered to the local market with speed and precision. Learn more about our mission at https://UPVerticalFarms.com/.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Production Manager, the Assistant Grower provides a range of horticultural support to the operations at UP Vertical Farms. They are responsible for assessing plant health daily from seedlings to harvest by conducting visual and environmental checks to ensure product is healthy and meets quality standards. They will also be cross trained in in-house lab equipment for testing nutrient solutions and finished products for food safety standards.

DUTIES

· Performs day-to-day cultivation activities; this includes but is not limited to:

1. Daily on-going assessment of plant seeding, germination, health, and quality in the lifecycle of the plants

2. Documenting and reporting any issues in the grow room to Production Manager and Grow Supervisor

3. Daily on-going monitoring, balancing, and calibration of the grow inputs for the plants (nutrients, EC, PH, O2, CO2, O3, etc.)

4. Suggest corrective actions to plant health concerns

5. Assisting with planning crop and labour schedules

6. Assisting with documenting procedures and SOPs

7. Collecting data on grow trials and other on-going testing

8. Maintaining a safe and tidy work environment in the R&D facility, greenhouse, and office

· Organizes and monitors inventory of commercial facility and R&D facility

· Uses ERP and other operational software as relating to duties

· Performs QA/Food Safety testing in facility lab when QA/Food Safety Coordinator is off

· Assists with data entry

· Notify management when relevant grow supplies are low inventory

· Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· Ability to work independently after receiving directions

· Ability to manage multiple tasks under specific timelines

· Excellent organizational and prioritization skills

· Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing

· Ability to lift up to 25lbs

· Willingness to learn to operate small scissor lift

QUALIFICATIONS

· Degree in agriculture/horticulture or related field (preference will be given to candidates with hydroponic experience)

· Experience safely handling chemicals or working in a lab setting

· Experience working with food safety programs and regulations

· Interest in growing food in modern, innovative ways

· Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, etc.)

· Experience with administrative procedures considered an asset

· Valid B.C. Class 5 Driver’s License

WORK CONDITIONS

· 8:00am – 4:30pm, 5 days (includes weekend shifts)

· Ability to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions

· May be requested to assist the Operations team on-site outside of regular work hours (i.e., evenings, weekends).

· Use of personal vehicle may be required

We thank all candidates for their interest in UP Vertical Farms. Please submit all applications online as we do not accept walk-in applicants.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $17.00-$19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 1Z1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person