Assistant Grower

Ball Horticultural Company; Elburn (IL); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, life insurance

401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan

Paid time off benefits

Tuition assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Ball Horticultural Company seeks an Assistant Grower to support day-to-day greenhouse operations, optimizing growing conditions and maintaining quality standards. You will work closely with the growing team to monitor crops, manage data, and implement approved programs.

The role requires greenhouse experience, leadership ability, and willingness to participate in weekend watering; pesticide certification may be pursued after hire.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with plants in a greenhouse environment.
• Education or formal training in horticulture preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience leading a small team in a greenhouse environment.
• Ability to obtain a pesticide license within 6 months of hire and maintain required certification.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to accurately record, organize, and present data.
• Willingness to participate in the weekend watering schedule.

Responsibilities

• Grow and maintain greenhouse crops according to program standards and direction from Grower-level team.
• Monitor greenhouse conditions (temperature, humidity) to maintain optimal crop environments.
• Scout crops for insects, diseases, and issues and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Monitor crop fertility and prepare fertilizer applications as needed.
• Apply chemical, IPM, and biological treatments as directed by higher-level growers.
• Set up misting benches for propagation material.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary propagation area.
• Accurately record and document crop data, programs, and applications.
• Prepare presentations and maintain plant labels as needed.
• Support greenhouse programs by identifying issues and making recommendations.
• May lead a small team in executing short- and long-term greenhouse tasks.
• Work with Stakeholder and higher-level Growers to execute growing programs.
• Take direction from higher-level growers regarding program decisions and applications.
• Provide suggestions and report crop or production issues with approvals for additional applications.
• Coordinate work for themselves and a small team.

Skills

Team leadership

Plant handling

Data recording

Organizational skills

Weekend schedule availability

Education

Horticulture education

Job description

Description

The Assistant Grower plays a key role in the day-to-day success of our greenhouse operation, helping to cultivate healthy, high-quality crops while maintaining efficient and sustainable growing practices. This position works closely with the growing team to monitor crop health, optimize growing conditions, and support consistent production while maintaining our quality and industry standards.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Grow and maintain greenhouse crops according to established program standards and direction from the Stakeholder or Grower-level team.


• Monitor greenhouse growing conditions, including temperature and humidity, to maintain optimal conditions for crops.


• Scout crops for insects, diseases, and other issues and communicate findings to the Stakeholder.


• Monitor crop fertility and prepare fertilizer applications as needed for assigned programs.


• Apply chemical, IPM, and biological treatments as directed by higher-level growers.


• Set misting benches for new and existing propagation material.


• Maintain a clean and sanitary propagation area.


• Accurately record and document crop data, programs, and applications.


• Prepare presentations and create and maintain plant labels as needed.


• Support greenhouse programs by identifying issues, making recommendations, and communicating updates to the appropriate team members.


• May lead a small team in executing short- and long-term greenhouse tasks.


• Work closely with the Stakeholder and higher-level Growers to execute established growing programs.


• Take direction from higher-level growers regarding program decisions and additional applications.


• Provide suggestions and report crop or production issues while obtaining appropriate approval before implementing additional applications.


• Prioritize tasks and help coordinate work for themselves and a small team.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with plants, in a greenhouse environment, or equivalent experience required.


• Education or formal training in horticulture preferred.


• At least 1 year of experience leading a small team in a greenhouse environment.


• Ability to obtain a pesticide license within 6 months of hire and maintain required certification.


• Strong organizational skills with the ability to accurately record, organize, and present data.


• Ability to prioritize and manage both short- and long-term tasks independently and as part of a team.


• Willingness to participate in the weekend watering schedule.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift/carry 45 lbs. up to 10% of the day


• Ability to lift/carry 20 lbs. up to 50% of the day


• Ability to push/pull 45 lbs. up to 50% of the day


• Ability to sit/stand up to 100% of the day


• Ability to kneel/bend up to 20% of the day


• Ability to reach up to 75% of the day


• Ability to climb/balance up to 5% of the day


• Ability to use hands/fingers up to 100% of the day


• Ability to work in hot, humid greenhouse conditions environmental conditions for up to 80% of the day

Pay Range:

$17-$19 per hour

Our promise to you

Ball is a global leader in horticulture: we develop, produce, and sell plants around the world. Our vision is to color the world through our customers. We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable.

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance


• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan


• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays


• Tuition assistance


• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs