Position Overview
UP Vertical Farms, a pioneering leader in sustainable vertical farming and agri-technology, is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Food Safety, Quality Assurance & Lab Supervisor to lead food safety, quality, lab and sanitation operations.
This role is responsible for overseeing all food safety programs, quality assurance systems, laboratory testing and sanitation activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and internal standards. Additionally, this role is responsible for creating, monitoring, inspecting, and verifying SKU verification, product quality, storage, labelling throughout the production, harvesting, and packaging processes. Ideal candidates will have experience in food production, agriculture, manufacturing, or quality assurance environments and demonstrate strong attention to detail, regulatory compliance, documentation accuracy, continuous improvement initiatives and a commitment to food safety and cleanliness.
This is a permanent, full-time position within the Food Safety and Quality department. The role reports to the Food Safety & Quality Manager and works closely with Operations, R&D, and grow teams. Work is primarily scheduled during daytime hours, with some evening, weekend, and occasional on-call responsibilities based on production and audit requirements.
This is a Full-Time position within the Food Safety, Quality and Sanitation Department, working closely with Operations, HR, Accounting and Grow/R&D teams. The position reports to the Food Safety, Quality and Sanitation Manager and senior leadership, with a work schedule that includes weekdays, evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays depending on operational needs.
Work is performed in a climate-controlled indoor vertical farming facility and may involve standing for extended periods, repetitive tasks, and lifting moderate weights. Performance is evaluated by a supervisor based on the effectiveness of quality systems, accuracy of inspections and records, compliance with food safety protocols, and contribution to the overall success of the company’s mission to deliver safe, sustainable, locally grown food year-round.
About UP Vertical Farms
- UP Vertical Farms is a pioneering Canadian leader in sustainable indoor agriculture, combining over a decade of innovation in agri-technology, automation, and environmentally responsible food production. We grow premium leafy greens year-round in a fully controlled, soil-free environment that uses 99% less water and zero pesticides.
- Our mission is to redefine how fresh food is grown and delivered; locally, sustainably, and efficiently. Through advanced vertical farming systems, we supply consistently high-quality produce to grocers and consumers across Western Canada.
- As a growing and collaborative team, we take pride in our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community impact. At UP Vertical Farms, every role contributes to building a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient food system for the future
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- UP Vertical Farms is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that reflects and respects the communities we serve. Guided by the principles of Human Rights, we ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and free from discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital or family status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other protected characteristic. We believe that embracing different perspectives strengthens our team, drives innovation, and allows every employee to reach their full potential in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Include but are not limited to:
- Lead implementation and maintenance of food safety programs in compliance with applicable legislation, including HACCP principles and preventive control plans
- Ensure compliance with the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations, Food and Drugs Act, and applicable provincial requirements
- Support audits, inspections, and internal reviews as required.
- Develop, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, and documentation
- Supervise and coordinate daily quality control activities across production, harvesting, and packaging
- Establish and monitor key quality performance indicators (KPIs) and trends
- Oversee product inspection processes, including grading, defect identification, and specification compliance
- Ensure traceability systems are accurate and fully maintained (lot tracking, labelling verification, recall readiness)
- Manage ICP and other instruments for nutrient and chemical analysis.
- Maintain a presence on the production floor to ensure that all food safety, quality control, and health and safety protocols are implemented and followed.
- Ensure proper calibration and functionality of all testing and measuring equipment.
- Review, annotate, and approve employee timecards and time off requests in ADP.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for quality deviations
- Oversee laboratory operations, including sampling protocols, environmental monitoring, and product testing
- Ensure proper calibration and maintenance of testing and measuring equipment
- Analyze and interpret lab and shelf-life data to support product quality and process improvements
- Prepare reports and communicate findings to senior management
- Supervise and train staff on food safety and quality
- Provide coaching and ensure adherence to food safety, sanitation, and quality standards
- Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Work closely with Operations, and Grow/R&D teams to resolve quality issues and implement improvements
- Support new product development and process optimization initiatives
- Participate in inventory control, supplier quality assessments, and procurement reviews as required
- Maintain accurate and complete records, logs, and reports
- Ensure proper sanitation and environmental monitoring programs are followed
- Perform additional duties as required
Qualifications
- Must be legally eligible to work in Canada
- Post-secondary education in Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related field
- Minimum 2–4 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or regulated food production environments
- Previous supervisory or leadership experience is strongly preferred
- Working knowledge of:
- Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR)
- HACCP systems and audit processes
- Food safety and sanitation standards
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence
- Steel-toe safety footwear required
- Working knowledge of applicable food safety laws and regulations, including the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations, Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and Regulations, Food and Drugs Act, and relevant BC food safety and occupational health and safety requirements.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong leadership and team supervision skills
- Advanced attention to detail and analytical capabilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis
- Strong understanding of quality systems, documentation, and traceability
- Effective communication and report-writing skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment
- Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
- Technical aptitude with laboratory and automated monitoring systems.
- Adaptability and willingness to learn new quality standards, technologies, and procedures.
Working conditions
- On-site role at UP Vertical Farms
- Combination of office, laboratory, and production floor environment
- Physically active role involving standing, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 30 lbs)
- Exposure to a climate-controlled agricultural production environment
- Work atmosphere is professional and cordial.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Salary range: $55,000–$60,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
- Benefits package includes extended health care, dental care, vision care, life insurance
- On-site parking.
Work schedule:
- Full-time: Wednesdays-Sundays
- Mornings, Days, evenings shifts or night shifts as needed.
- Shift times may vary depending on production schedule and business requirements.
Training:
- On-site and on-the-job training
To Apply:
Email Resume to the HR and Administration Manager:
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00-$60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Bachelors Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or Biochemistry
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:
- Laboratory: 2 years (required)
- Quality Control: 2 years (required)
Location:
- Pitt Meadows, BC (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
