Assistant Head Grower

DAN & JERRYS GREENHOUSES); Harrisonville (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

DAN & JERRYS GREENHOUSES in Harrisonville, Missouri, is seeking an Assistant Head Grower. This hands-on role supports the Head Grower in producing healthy plants and involves monitoring, watering, and training the growing team.

The ideal candidate will hold a High School Diploma or GED with 4+ years of relevant experience. A pesticide applicator license is required or the willingness to obtain one. The position entails working in a greenhouse environment with a focus on safety and plant health.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of greenhouse grower or horticulture experience.
• Experience working with irrigation systems and manual watering practices preferred.
• Pesticide applicator license required or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Grower by providing day‑to‑day instructions.
• Provide greenhouse technical support including mixing chemicals and disinfecting.
• Train, mentor, and supervise growers.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Flexibility with work hours

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College/vocational courses in horticulture/greenhouse Management

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The main responsibility of the Assistant Head Grower is to support the Head Grower in the production of healthy plants. This role is a hands‑on position performing as a Grower and supporting the Head Grower in plant growth based on planning, preparation, oversight, and maintenance of greenhouse plant production.

SAFETY

Safety is a top priority at Dan and Jerry’s Greenhouse, you will take an active leadership role in promoting a safe working culture. We want all employees, customers, and guests to Arrive Safe, Be Safe and Leave Safe.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Head Grower by providing day‑to‑day instructions to the growers in the following areas:
  • Watering techniques - both manual & automated
  • Follow directions from head grower on crop treatment
  • Spray crop, fertilizer and pesticide applications
  • Testing and tracking water and soil samples
  • Monitoring soil moisture, plant hydration levels, and crop stress indicators
  • Keep Head Grower informed of status of all growing activities
• Provide greenhouse technical support:
  • Mix chemicals & fertilizers for growers. Record and report on usage and reports shortages to Head Grower for ordering
  • Make sure tables and floor space are disinfected between crops
  • Ensure greenhouses are clean and report safety issues
  • Help evaluate and correct any plant spacing issues
  • Determine mist schedules based on crop varieties and roots
  • Watch over chemicals for propagation
  • Supervise and monitor plug growth regulations – set standard schedule and timing
• Work side by side with the growing team to produce plants that meet the specifications:
  • Assess watering needs, hand water and adjust irrigation systems accordingly to maintain plant health
  • Obtain plant measurements and soil measurements to track growth progress
  • Proactively scout for bugs and plant pests using sticky cards and crop inspection
  • Apply fertilizer and pesticides as needed (with a valid pesticide license)
• Train, mentor, and supervise growers
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education / Experience Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Preferred: college/vocational courses in horticulture/greenhouse Management
• 4+ years of greenhouse grower or horticulture experience
• Experience working with irrigation systems and manual watering practices preferred
• Pesticide applicator license required or willingness to obtain
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong work ethic, flexibility with work hours including rotational nights and weekends, and availability when necessary
• Ownership for decisions and actions; facilitates accountability

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to perform occasional to continuous repetitive motion while walking, standing, sitting, distinguishing colors, lifting, and carrying objects up to 50 pounds. Will need to apply pesticides in Hazmat Personal Protective Equipment in temperatures that can exceed 110 degrees.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / TRAVEL

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Typically, those in this or comparable roles will spend most of their time working side‑by‑side with employees in a production and greenhouse environment with few physical hazards. The business is seasonal, and environments can at times be dusty, warm, and humid.