Apprentice Grower

Brightfarms Inc; Kendall Township (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

BrightFarms is seeking an Apprentice Grower for our Yorkville, IL greenhouse to assist in managing the production of hydroponic greens at our 8-acre facility. The Apprentice Grower reports to the Head Grower.

The ideal candidate has 2 years of greenhouse experience and a 2-year degree in horticulture; GMPs, IPM, and food safety knowledge are required; travel to other greenhouses may be needed.

Qualifications

• 2 years’ experience in greenhouse production or similar.
• Minimum of a 2-year degree in horticulture and/or related sciences.
• Experience with GMPs, food safety, and IPM.
• Hoogendoorn or PRIVA experience is a plus.
• Preference for experience in controlled environment agriculture and hydroponic production of food crops.

Responsibilities

• Climate management including alarms, lighting, and environmental controls.
• Water management: nutrient balance, pH, temperature, aeration and irrigation systems.
• Crop management: scouting for disease, nutrient issues, pests, yield impacts, and data collection; complete daily checklists and maintenance.
• IDPM: ensure greenhouse is free of pests and disease using BrightFarms’ protocols.
• R&D: track projects to optimize yields and quality of existing products and develop new products.
• Cleanliness and food safety: maintain a neat greenhouse facility and ensure compliance.

Skills

Greenhouse production experience

GMPs/food safety/IPM knowledge

Controlled environment agriculture

Hoogendoorn/PRIVA experience

Education

2-year degree in horticulture or related sciences

Tools

Hoogendoorn

PRIVA

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Manual Labor Yorkville, IL, US

Salary Range: $65,000.00 To $75,000.00 Annually

BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!

At BrightFarms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well‑being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.

BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of five high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms. From seed to leaf we grow lettuce smarter, with less space, no pesticides and protected inside, so it’s better for the planet and way better for humans. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 4,500 retail stores across the East Coast, Midwest, and South.

Our Yorkville, Illinois, farm is our largest greenhouse in Illinois, at around 480,000 square feet. With an annual production of around 6 million pounds of leafy greens, BrightFarms is ensuring fresh greens for Chicagoland communities. The Apprentice Grower will assist in managing the greenhouse production of hydroponic greens at the 8-acre greenhouse in Yorkville, IL. The Apprentice Grower reports to the Head Grower.

Specifically, you will:

• Climate: Responsible for managing climate alarms, lighting, and environmental controls as set my Ag team. Along with troubleshooting/resolving issues with guidance from Head Grower and Grower.
• Water Management: Responsible for maintaining set points, health and productivity of hydroponic gutter systems, including nutrient balance, pH management, temperature, aeration, sanitation, and irrigation mechanicals.
• Crop Management: Assists with crop scouting for disease, nutrient issues, pest, yield impacts, and general data collection. Must ensure daily checklists and regular preventative and corrective maintenance are completed. Regularly reports finding to Head Grower and Grower and collaborates on corrective strategies.
• Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IDPM): Responsible for ensuring the greenhouse is free of insect pests and disease using BrightFarms’ IDPM protocols.
• R&D: The Apprentice Grower will collaborate with Head Grower, and Grower to track R&D projects to optimize yields and quality of existing products and develop new product’s.
• Cleanliness & Food Safety: The Apprentice Grower will support the Head Grower and General Manager and is accountable for maintaining a neat and orderly greenhouse facility. The Apprentice grower will work closely with the Head Grower and General Manger to ensure that the food safety program meets all compliance requirements.

The ideal candidate:

• 2-years’ experience in greenhouse production or similar
• Minimum of a 2-year degree in horticulture and or related sciences.
• Experience with good manufacturing practices (GMPs), food safety, and knowledge of IPM.
• Hoogendoorn or PRIVA experience are a plus.
• Preference is given to candidates with experience in controlled environment agriculture and hydroponic production of food crops.

• 2-years’ experience in greenhouse production or similar
• Minimum of a 2-year degree in horticulture and or related sciences.
• Experience with good manufacturing practices (GMPs), food safety, and knowledge of IPM.
• Hoogendoorn or PRIVA experience are a plus.
• Preference is given to candidates with experience in controlled environment agriculture and hydroponic production of food crops.

Working conditions/Environment/Travel/Schedule required:

• May require travel to Greenhouses outside of the regular/main working location.
• Will require chemical handling and safety, PPE will be provided.
• Exposure to heat and humid environments on a regular basis.

Physical requirements:

• This position would require the ability to use hands/fingers, reaching with hands and arms, walking, standing, and sitting daily and lifting to 50 pounds.

BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.