About Vanguard Terra

Vanguard Terra is a year-round indoor vertical farming company specializing in premium fresh herbs and leafy greens. Utilizing controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technology, we produce high-quality, locally grown produce for retailers, food service customers, and consumers across Western Canada.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Controlled Environment Farm Operations Manager to oversee crop production, facility operations, environmental control systems, and team leadership within our vertical farming operation.

This position is ideal for someone who combines strong horticultural knowledge with hands-on operational leadership.

Position Summary

Hiring Date: January 1st 2027

The Controlled Environment Farm Operations Manager is responsible for the successful day-to-day operation of the vertical farm.

This role oversees

- Crop production
- Environmental management
- Nutrient and irrigation programs
- Harvest scheduling
- Food safety
- Employee supervision
- Production planning
- Quality assurance

The successful candidate will lead production staff and ensure all crops are produced efficiently, safely, and consistently while meeting yield and quality targets. This position will also work with the directors in business development and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

Crop Production & Horticulture

- Develop and manage crop production schedules
- Oversee seeding, germination, transplanting, harvesting, and packaging activities
- Monitor crop health and quality
- Optimize yields and production efficiency
- Manage nutrient programs, pH, EC, and irrigation schedules
- Ensure consistent crop performance across all production areas

Environmental Control

- Monitor and manage:
- Lighting systems
- HVAC systems
- Dehumidification systems
- Irrigation systems
- Environmental sensors




- Analyze crop data and environmental performance
- Troubleshoot production challenges
- Maintain ideal environmental conditions to maximize crop quality and yield

Team Leadership

- Recruit, train, supervise, and schedule production employees
- Lead daily production meetings
- Establish and maintain standard operating procedures
- Conduct employee evaluations
- Promote a positive, safe, and accountable work environment

Food Safety & Quality Assurance

- Maintain sanitation programs and cleaning schedules
- Lead food safety and quality assurance initiatives
- Ensure traceability and recordkeeping standards are met
- Oversee inspections and compliance requirements

Operations Management

- Maintain production records and KPI reporting
- Monitor inventory of seeds, nutrients, growing media, packaging, and supplies
- Coordinate preventative maintenance programs
- Manage labour efficiency and production budgets
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility
- Work closely with ownership to align production plans with forecasted sales volumes

Qualifications

Required

- Diploma or Degree or 5 years experience supervising
- Horticulture
- Plant Science
- Agriculture
- Crop Science
- Greenhouse Production
- Related field
- Commercial growing experience
- Supervisory or management experience
- Experience with hydroponic or controlled-setting production systems
- Strong leadership and organizational skills
- Excellent problem-solving ability




- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and production recordkeeping

Preferred

- Vertical farming experience
- Greenhouse production experience
- Food Safety Certification (CanadaGAP, HACCP, SQF)
- WHMIS Certification
- First Aid / CPR Certification
- Experience managing leafy greens and culinary herbs
- Experience with fertigation, irrigation, and environmental control systems

Compensation Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience. A comprehensive compensation package will be discussed with qualified candidates during the interview process.

- Additional incentives available for KPI performance
- Paid vacation
- Professional development support
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
- Future advancement opportunities within a growing organization

Ideal Candidate You are a hands-on operations leader who enjoys working with plants, optimizing systems, leading teams, and solving problems. You understand that success in a controlled environment farm requires a balance of horticultural expertise, operational discipline, employee leadership, and attention to detail.

You are motivated by accountability, continuous improvement, and building a high-performing indoor agriculture operation that consistently delivers exceptional product quality.

To Apply

Please submit

- Resume
- Cover Letter
- References upon request
- Summary of relevant production and management experience

Pay: $65,000.00-$100,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
- Store discount

Education:
- AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)

Experience:
- Agriculture: 3 years (preferred)
- management: 3 years (preferred)

Language:
- English (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Farm Operations Manager (Controlled Environment Agriculture CEA) (Tullymet No. 216)
🏢 Vanguard Terra Agriculture
📍 Tullymet No. 216