The Head Grower is responsible for managing and optimizing our controlled agriculture growing system in Guelph.  This role is pivotal in ensuring consistent, high-yield production of our crops while maintaining the highest quality standards. The Head Grower will possess a deep understanding of plant science, horticulture, and controlled environment agriculture and will have a proven track record of leading teams and driving operational excellence.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Oversee Growing Operations:  Manage all aspects of the growing process, including crop planning, planting, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.

• Optimize Growing Systems:  Continuously analyze and refine growing parameters (light, temperature, humidity, CO2, nutrients, etc.) to maximize yield, quality, and efficiency.

• Quality Assurance:  Work with Quality Assurance to implement and maintain rigorous quality control standards, food safety, and ensuring that all produce meets or exceeds company specifications. Follow and comply with all GoodLeaf Farms, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Provincial and Company Health and Safety standards and Company Safe Quality Foods standards and guidelines.

• Team Leadership:  Lead and develop a high-performing team of Horticulture Technicians, providing training, mentorship, and support.

• Collaboration:  Work closely with Quality, Operations, and R&D teams to identify and implement process improvements, new crop varieties, and innovative growing techniques. Ability to travel and support other production farms as required. Support and demonstrate organizational culture.

• Data Analysis:  Utilize data analytics to monitor crop performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

• Research and Development:  Work with Research & Development to conduct and oversee trials to evaluate new growing techniques, crop varieties, and technologies.

• Continuous Improvement:  Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall system performance.

• Problem Solving: Proactively identify, root cause and provide solutions for crop and/or agricultural systems challenges arising in the farm  

• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Educational Requirements

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

• Proven track record of achieving high commercial leafy green, fruit or vegetable agriculture yields and quality.

• Proven track record of individual and team development.

• Experience advocating for corporate culture and key initiatives.

• 1+ years' experience with hydroponic systems, including experience with fertigation systems.  

• 1+ years' experience with controlled environment agriculture operations.

• Experience with agriculture lighting systems and their impact on plant growth.

• Knowledge of plant pathology in controlled environments  

• Experience leading the execution of agricultural trials, implementing continuous improvement initiatives and troubleshooting crop challenges  

• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Must be able to travel across borders when and if required.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Experience with GMP, SQF and other quality frameworks a plus  

• Experience with report writing and MS suite of applications  

• Experience with statistical analysis tools (e.g. R, JMP, Minitab) and/or programming (e.g. Python) is a plus.  

Performance Metrics to be Met

Yield and Quality Metrics

• Yield per square meter per year:  productivity of the system.  

• Crop quality:  Includes factors like size, colour, taste, shelf life, and defect rates.

• Harvest consistency:  The regularity and predictability of harvests.

• Product waste: The amount of product lost during the growing process.

Operational Metrics

• Process adherence:  The consistency of following standard operating procedures.

• Team performance metrics:  Team member satisfaction, turnover rate, and training completion.

• Research and development outcomes:  The success of new growing techniques.

Why work at GoodLeaf Farms?

It is our commitment to provide you with the work environment and tools necessary to be successful in your role. We hope that you will find your work here rewarding, challenging, and meaningful.

• You will have the opportunity to take your career to the next level. GoodLeaf is growing and we want you to grow along with us!
• We have an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit with the heart of a startup.
• We foster an environment of cooperation and communication.
• We offer competitive compensation and benefits

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• RRSP Program
• Paid time off
• Vision care
• Wellness Program

Every day at GoodLeaf Farms we get to help solve the challenge of food security for communities across Canada and do it in innovative ways that inspire healthy lifestyles. We think that’s exciting and the best reason of all to join us!

Equal Opportunity Statement

GoodLeaf Farms is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at GoodLeaf Farms are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

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