Hydroponic Farm Manager, Community Greens

Hydroponic Farm Manager, Community Greens

On-Site, Kingston, Ontario 

Full Time, 12 month Contract, Customer Success Team 

 

About Growcer 

 

Growcer is an innovative agri-tech startup launched in Ottawa in 2015, specializing in the manufacturing and design of modular hydroponic systems that enable commercial food production in 40 ft. modules. Its vertical farming technology enables customers to grow fresh vegetables in virtually any climate, having been deployed within the Arctic Circle below -50°C. Growcer has empowered conventional farmers, entrepreneurs, Indigenous, First Nations and remote communities and institutions to grow food locally all year round. Growcer's work has been recognized with awards including Fast Company's World Changing Ideas and the Entrepreneurs' Organization and was featured on Season 13 of CBC's hit show, Dragons' Den. 

 

Effective Growcer employees are tenacious, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and are comfortable working on big-picture challenges with lots of autonomy. All positions and work responsibilities tie back to our mission of empowering people to feed the world more sustainably, and applicants who are laser-focused on contributing to the creation of a better food system will find a workplace and team that shares their vision for sustainable agriculture. 

 

Reconciliation 

 

The Growcer team acknowledges that we work with many Territories and Treaty areas and we are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are with us today, those who have gone before us and the youth that inspire us. 

 

We recognize the land and the benefits it provides all of us, as an act of Reconciliation, as recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on, work on or are visiting. 

 

Growcer is committed to progressing the path of Reconciliation in a deeply meaningful way, in partnership with Indigenous and First Nations Peoples and is dedicated to fulfilling our role and responsibilities in this regard. 

 

About the Role 

A Growcer Hydroponic Farm Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of crop production to ensure high yields, consistent quality, and operational efficiency. This role requires deep expertise in agronomy, crop management, and integrated pest and disease control, as well as strong leadership to guide and develop process improvements. The Farm Manager will optimize production strategies, maintain compliance to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and generate data-driven insights to enhance future operational practices. 

 

This is a dynamic and evolving position, reflecting the emerging needs of our organization.  Success in this role requires a balance of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and continuous improvement to refine processes and implement best practices. The Farm Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams to align production with business goals, drive efficiency, and ensure sustainable growing practices. The role is full-time and contract-based, with the opportunity to extend based on performance. 

 

About You    

 

You are a highly skilled and experienced grower with a deep passion for plant science and sustainable agriculture. With a driven and accountable mindset, you’re resourceful, team-focused, and growth-oriented. You’re an independent decision-maker and a strategic thinker who’s ready to roll up your sleeves to help your customers, your team, and the organization achieve their goals. You thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where you can apply your technical expertise and leadership abilities to optimize crop production.  

 

Your strong problem-solving skills allow you to navigate challenges with confidence, and you are always seeking ways to improve efficiency, quality, and yield. As a proactive and detail-oriented professional, you excel at data-driven decision-making, using analytics to refine growing strategies and enhance farm operations. You take pride in maintaining high standards for plant health, and SOP compliance, ensuring that every aspect of production runs smoothly. 

 

Your leadership style is collaborative and supportive, fostering a positive work culture where your team is motivated, well-trained, and aligned with business goals. You communicate effectively with colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders, balancing technical knowledge with practical business acumen. Above all, you are committed to innovation and continuous improvement, staying up to date on industry advancements and exploring new technologies that drive growth and sustainability.

 

Responsibilities: 

 

Site Safety 

• Ensure compliance with all workplace safety regulations, including PPE requirements and health and safety policies. 

• Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards. 

• Maintain records of safety incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. 

• Enforce hygiene and biosecurity protocols to minimize contamination risks and protect crop health. 

 

Business Planning 

• Develop short- and long-term cultivation plans aligned with business objectives and market demand. 

• Analyze production data to optimize growing schedules, resource allocation, and profitability. 

• Collaborate with leadership to set operating targets and develop  efficient growing strategies. 

• Prepare reports on production performance, yield forecasts, and resource utilization for strategic planning. 

 

Farm Operations 

• Oversee daily cultivation activities, including seeding, transplanting, pruning, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. 

• Implement best practices environmental control, fertilization, and pest management to optimize crop health. 

• Troubleshoot operational challenges and implement solutions to improve efficiency and output. 

 

Maintenance 

• Ensure regular maintenance and calibration of growing, lighting, HVAC, and fertigation systems to minimize equipment downtime. 

• Manage repair requests and coordinate with technicians or contractors for facility upkeep. 

• Monitor infrastructure for wear and tear, proactively addressing structural or mechanical issues. 

 

Sales & Logistics 

• Collaborate with stakeholders to align production schedules with demand. 

• Manage harvest timelines to ensure product availability and efficient order fulfillment. 

• Coordinate with logistics partners to optimize transportation, storage, and distribution processes. 

• Ensure compliance with packaging, labeling, and traceability requirements for all outgoing products. 

 

Inventory Management 

• Maintain accurate records of inputs, including seeds, nutrients, pest control products, and packaging materials. 

• Monitor stock levels and coordinate with the procurement team to ensure timely procurement of essential items. 

 

Quality Control 

• Enforce quality standards for crop appearance, consistency, and shelf life. 

• Conduct regular inspections and sampling to identify and address deviations from quality benchmarks. 

• Implement SOPs for post-harvest handling to minimize damage and waste. 

• Track quality control metrics and analyze data to improve growing techniques and output. 

 

Qualifications and Skills

Education:  

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field. 

• Equivalent experience in commercial crop production may be considered in place of formal education. 

• Additional certifications in advanced cultivation techniques, irrigation management, or pest control are a plus. 

Experience:  

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial crop production, hydroponics, or controlled-environment agriculture. 

• Experience with data-driven decision-making and process improvement in a farm or greenhouse setting. 

• Prior experience in budget management, forecasting, and cost control for agricultural operations. 

Technical Skills: 

• Expertise in fertilization management, including nutrient balancing. 

• Proficiency in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and disease prevention methods. 

• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain control environment agriculture equipment, automation systems, and climate control technologies. 

• Strong understanding of plant genetics, propagation techniques, and crop cycle optimization. 

Soft Skills: 

• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to address operational challenges. 

• Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers. 

• Attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and priorities. 

• Adaptability and willingness to embrace new technologies and innovations in crop production. 

Industry Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of supply chain logistics, post-harvest handling, and distribution best practices. 

• Familiarity with agricultural software tools for data analysis, inventory tracking, and reporting. 

• Understanding of the vertical farming industry, including deep water culture (DWC) systems and controlled environment agriculture (CEA). 

Other Requirements 

• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including high humidity, heat, and extended standing or lifting. 

• Availability for occasional weekend or off-hour work during peak growing seasons. 

• Valid driver’s license, access to a car and ability to travel as needed.