Lead Grower
: Job Details :

Daily implementation and decision making around crop needs (e.g., climate, irrigation, fertility, EC and pH management, pest management). Plan, organize, direct, control, and coordinate activities of co-workers directly engaged in cultivating plants. Finish crops on time, in the correct quantities,and according to internal growth specifications.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESThis position may involve any of the following:Performance Management of employeesTrainer for Growing Department for onboarding, on-the-job training, and safety training.Scheduling of employees in alignment with growing operations needsPrepare and maintain time or payroll reports, as well as details of personnel actions, such as performance evaluations, hires, promotions, or disciplinary actions.Payroll responsibilities to ensure hours are accurate for timely biweekly payrollObserve workers to detect inefficient or unsafe work procedures or to identify problems, initiating corrective action as necessary.Liaison on Safety Committee for The Plant CompanyEstimate labor requirements for jobs and plan work schedules accordingly.Communication with other teams and departmentConfer with managers to develop plans or procedures, or to discuss issues such as changes in work processes.Review employees' work to evaluate quality and quantity.Train workers in techniques such as planting, harvesting, weeding, or insect identification and in the use of safety measures.Drive or operate machinery, such as forklifts and tuggers.Accountable to paperwork and reporting daily metrics.Maintain WPS compliance ensuring all employees are certified with worker or handler training in English and Spanish in department.Work Closely with Section Growers to advise, instruct and direct horticultural practices daily to ensure plant health and quality.Identify plants as well as problems such as diseases, weeds, and pests.Work with Greenhouse Grower Manager to determine plant growing conditions.Establish and maintain Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.Oversee application of biologicals, pesticides, and fertilizers to plants.Position and regulate plant irrigation systems, and program irrigation control computers.Review work areas to observe work being done, inspect crops, and evaluate plant and soil conditions.Assign work schedules and duties to greenhouse staff and supervise their work.Maintain required hard goods inventory levels.Oversee team with all aspects of the Horticulture processes and procedures in your assigned area, including but not limited to; propagation, fertilization, irrigation, weeding, equipment operation, order pulling, and other crop needs daily.Be able to maintain the crops by pinching, pruning and cutting back in conjunction with the Lead Grower and the planning department.Record and report inputs like water, fertilizer, PGR, on all crops for all stages from the beginning to the end of the crop cycle.Make sure all required samplings are done on time, this includes daily EC and pH measurement, weekly soil analysis for EC and pH, media and foliar sampling for lab analysis depending on the requirement.Responsible for other areas depending on the request from Greenhouse Grower Manager.Help during frost patrol and preparation of winterization and de-winterization process.Ensure that all solenoids, valves, and irrigation hoses are maintained and working according to protocol.Be able to always work closely with all stakeholders to foster teamwork.Growers are also expected to be leaders and coordinate work amongst the team by communicating clearly with other assistant growers and managers to keep working at an efficient pace.Support other departments and managers.Monitor computer control systems based on request from the grower and established criteria.Consistent irrigation system inspection to make sure that the moisture requirement is up to standard.Ability to understand and interact with all environmental control systems. Ensure all growing infrastructure is properly maintained and in good working order.Be able to troubleshoot and fix minor technical problems in your area of responsibility. Elevate issues to Greenhouse Growing Manager and Facilities department when necessary.Manage daily assignments and priorities from the Greenhouse Growing Manager and other team members to maintain top health and quality of plants in your assigned area.Learn and accurately identify irrigation and nutritional needs of various crops and carry out watering and fertilizing as needed.Recording and reporting all data required to the supervisor, make sure all data are recorded and kept according to the requirements.Ensuring that the activities within your area adhere to all company and regulatory protocols, policies, and processes.Keeping and maintaining the sanitation standards in your area of responsibility according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).Responsible for making sure that the area under your responsibility is in compliance with WPS standards.Ensuring that the equipment for growing proposes is in proper working conditions.Inspect and maintain the area of responsibility, making sure that all necessary structures and equipment are in order and always functioning.Responsible for housekeeping and sanitation of your area.Responsible for Re-Entry Interval signs are posted in accordance with all OSHA and WPS regulations.Adherence to all applicable HSE regulations and processes.Ensure chemical pesticides and growth regulators are applied in accordance with OSHA and company safety procedures.Assess plant health daily to identify and report any disease, insect problem or other abnormalities.Work with team members to identify new ways to improve processes in the areas of logistics, placement, etc. Test and document new methods.Upkeep of the physical greenhouse, including walkways and work areas each day.Multiple work schedules are available including day, evening, and weekend shifts. Scheduling flexibility for overtime and weekend rotation is required to meet the needs of the job.RequirementsREQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:Must obtain within six (6) months of employment.Self-starter with ability to solve problems and good decision-making skills.Ability to do repetitive tasks in a fast-paced environment.Attention to detail and high-quality standards.Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and work independently or with team towards a solution.Ability to determine causes of operating errors.Positive attitude and team player.Excellent communication skills.Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, or related field required. Extended relevant experience can be considered in lieu of degree.At least three years of related experience required.Intermediate understanding of horticulture and agricultural practices.Familiarity with working in the greenhouse and understanding of plant propagation.Ability to manage irrigation, fertility and pest management.Working knowledge of OSHA and WPS requirements.The ability to effectively use Microsoft Office suite to perform basic tasks like creating documents, managing spreadsheets, building presentations, managing a schedule and communication through email.#J-18808-Ljbffr