Assistant Grower

**Position**:Assistant Grower & Quality Assurance Administrator (Permanent, Full-time)

**Reports to**: Operational Grower/Plant Scientist

**ABOUT US**

Reporting to the Operational Grower/Plant Scientist, the Greenhouse Operations Assistant provides a range of support to the operations at UP Vertical Farms. They will assist the Operational Grower/Plant Scientist to maintain and operate the R&D facility, the commercial hydroponic facility, and perform other hands-on tasks as directed. They will also assist the Operations Team with quality assurance databases, quality assurance checks, audits, and food safety records.

**DAILY **DUTIES**
- Performing sanitation and cleaning on an ongoing basis
- Assisting with cultivation in the R&D facility and greenhouse
- Operating seeder, hand harvesting, and packing produce
- Monitoring quality of food product
- Performing routine inspections of the greenhouse and R&D facilities
- Assisting with planning crop and labour schedules
- Collecting data on grow trials and other on-going testing
- Maintaining a safe and tidy work environment in the R&D facility and greenhouse

**REGULAR DUTIES**
- Organizes and monitors inventory of commercial facility and R&D facility
- Assists site staff with ensuring high-quality food safety and hygiene
- Coordinates inventory rotation by monitoring the quality of products and shelf life during storage
- Identifies non-conformances and resolves issues with corrective actions
- Purchases and picks up various operational supplies
- Ensures compliance with Canada GAAP regulations and other jurisdictions
- Conducts environmental monitoring and sampling
- 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
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing
- Ability to lift up to 30lbs

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Education in agriculture/horticulture OR education in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field
- Experience working in an agricultural/greenhouse setting, preference will be given to applicants with hydroponics experience
- Experience with QA/QC and food safety in the food industry
- 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, Monday to Friday
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions
- May be requested to assist the Operational Grower/Plant Scientist on-site outside of regular work hours (i.e., evenings, weekends)
- Use of personal vehicle may be required, UP Vertical Farms provide mileage reimbursements for use of personal vehicle for company purposes

The health and safety of our employees, industry partners, clients, and communities is our top priority. As such, UP Vertical Farms requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- On-site parking

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

- Overtime pay

COVID-19 considerations:
The health and safety of our employees, industry partners, clients, and communities is our top priority. As such, UP Vertical Farms requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Pitt Meadows, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Experience**:

- QA/QC or food safety: 1 year (preferred)
- Greenhouse/Agriculture/Horticulture: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- B.C. Class 5 Driver's License (required)

Work Location: One location