Job Summary:
The successful Lead Grower is responsible to efficiently and effectively produce quality plants through proper cultural practices. They will ensure that growing activities are performed as planned; preparing all material and labor needs; communication with Grower Manager, Production Manager and operations teams regarding any change to the plan; that all activities are performed following written work instructions, ensuring all work is performed in accordance with safety policies and regulations to promote a safe working environment; reporting the time for the crew in preparation of work schedules and expediting workflow and account for hours expended by crew members to minimize labor cost.
Summary of essential job functions:
- Maintain proper fertilization, growth retardant and pesticide applications to ensure quality production on a scheduled time line and maintain proper data for analysis.
- Manage cultural environments for each variety and report any problems.
- Generate accurate crop survey and crop forecast.
- Design “spray programs” and oversee such programs are carried out effectively while maintaining proper records for spraying and fertilizing.
- Train and supervise all growers / irrigators / pesticide applicators.
- Follow SOP's and suggest changes/improvements, update SOP's when procedures are incorporated
- Assist with crop harvesting and quality control.
- Maintain a clean and organized working environment.
- Propose creative solutions to problems that may arise.
- Assign, review and evaluate work and recommend retention, discipline or termination.
- Act as a role model, working alongside crew members, and demonstrate a positive work ethic.
- Enforce safety regulations at the work areas.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- B.S. or M.S. in Agronomy, Plant Science or Horticulture preferred
- At least 3 years seed propagation experience, crop management, large-scale agriculture
- Mechanical knowledge and agricultural tools expertise
- Calibrate irrigation, fertilization and any spray equipment
- Ability to prepare daily written reports
- Ability to manage assets - equipment, labor
- Ability to budget, program, manage and schedule
- Results-oriented leader
- Clean criminal history and drug free
- Candidates must be in good physical condition and able to work outdoors for extended periods of time
- Ability to demonstrate high ethical standards and set a positive example for crew members
- Current first aid/CPR certification, or ability and willingness to obtain one
Abilities Required:
- Motivate, develop, and direct crew members, identifying the best people for the job.
- Basic concepts about greenhouse operations, quality and productivity
- Good interpersonal communication, able to work well with others
- Manufacturing aptitude; must be able to work as part of a team
- Willingness to work nights and/or weekends, hours will change based on business needs
- Able to work indoors, outdoors, in warehouse or greenhouse all seasons
- Able to lift up to 40 lbs and able to stand for prolonged periods of time
- Able to stand for prolonged periods of time
- Ability to take initiative and work with minimum supervision, self-motivated, ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to tolerate exposure to greenhouse elements such as heat, cold, water and dirt.