Growcer is hiring a
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 plug-and-play 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.
Growcer is looking for a driven individual with a self-starter attitude as the company enters the next phase of rapid growth and scales across North America. 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.
Science Horizons Internship Funding:
The Growcer is receiving funding to support a year long contract through the Science Horizons Program. The Science Horizons funding must be used to hire a recent graduate or youth and provide work experience in an environment-related STEM field.
Science Horizons Internship Funding Requirements:
The Growcer administers this funding in accordance with the Science Horizons Internship program requirements. In accordance with the funding terms, all applicants must be:
Between the ages of 15-30 (inclusive) at the start of the internship;
Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
Legally allowed to work according to the relevant provincial and Canadian legislation and regulations; and
be a graduate from a post-secondary institution (does not have to be a STEM grad) – Canadian or International; and
not be in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits during the internship.
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
As a Horticultural Technician, you are a vital piece to the Growcer organization leading the hands-on installation and on-going technical support for new and current farms. You’ll help train customers in how to best run their farms and support them in trouble shooting, work to create training and other internal materials as well as contribute with ideas to improve the overall quality of the farms. This position can be based anywhere across Canada that's in close proximity to an airport. Being remote-based, this position involves a significant amount of autonomy, a self-starter attitude and excitement to “grow” with the company would be ideal. As part of the first line of service that interacts with customers on a daily basis, you have one of the most important customer-facing roles in the organization – you must exemplify Growcer’s values in every customer interaction.
As an ideal candidate you’ll bring solid technical abilities combined with experience in a greenhouse or other Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) production setting and have excellent communication & customer service skills. You have a passion for seeing happy & healthy plants, a coaching mentality to help new growers become acquainted with the field of horticulture, and a passion for providing exceptional service to help farmers and growers succeed. In addition to a solid growing and technical skillset, knowledge and respect for learning and working with our Indigenous and First Nations partners is highly valued.
Responsibilities
Required Skills & Competencies
Education Requirements: College or University degree in horticulture or similar field
Experience Requirements: 3-5+ years’ experience, or the equivalent time in related work experience
Training/Certification Requirements: Growing experience as a head grower or assistant and experience with integrated pest management programs is an asset in addition to a solid technical understanding of basic tools as well as climate control and monitoring systems
Travel Requirements: 40-50% travel, expect to be on customer sites for on average 1-2 times per month for 5-7 days, especially in peak summer season.
Physical Requirements: Physically able to lift 50 pounds and occasionally lift items weighing more than 50 pounds with assistance
Languages: English required. An Indigenous or First Nations language and/or French is considered an asset.
Driver’s License Required: Yes, role includes driving to sites, some of which are remote.
After Hours Requirements: Infrequently, after-hours support may be required by customers for emergency issues
Assets
Experience in construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, food safety and or project management
Experience in using instant messaging such as Slack or Microsoft Teams for internal communication.
Experience working in a startup environment.
Interested candidates should submit a concise cover letter and résumé to: careers@thegrowcer.ca. We look forward to meeting you!