Greenhouse Technician

Brightfarms Inc; Kendall Township (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Cox Farms in Yorkville, IL is hiring a Full Time Technical position to support greenhouse production of hydroponic greens. You will report to the Head Grower and help manage climate, lighting, nutrient balance, and environmental controls.

Ideal candidate has 2 years’ experience in greenhouse production or related fields and a 2-year degree in horticulture. GMPs, IPM knowledge, and Hoogendoorn/PRIVA experience are a plus.

Qualifications

• 2 years’ experience in greenhouse production or similar.
• Minimum 2-year degree in horticulture and/or related sciences.
• Experience with GMPs, food safety, and IPM.
• Hoogendoorn or PRIVA experience are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist greenhouse production of hydroponic greens at the Yorkville, IL 8-acre greenhouse; reports to Head Grower.
• Manage climate alarms, lighting, and environmental controls per Ag team; troubleshoot with guidance.
• Maintain set points, nutrient balance, pH, temperature, aeration, sanitation, and irrigation in hydroponic gutters.
• Assist with crop scouting for disease, nutrients, pests, yield impacts; complete daily checklists and maintenance; report findings.
• Ensure greenhouse is free of pests and disease using IDPM protocols.
• Collaborate with Head Grower, Grower, and Apprentice Grower to track R&D and optimize yields.
• Support Head Grower and General Manager; keep greenhouse neat and orderly.

Skills

Greenhouse production

Climate control

Pest management

Education

2-year degree in horticulture or related sciences

Tools

GMPs

IPM

Hoogendoorn

PRIVA

Job description

Full Time Technical Yorkville, IL, US

Cox Farms

At Cox Farms, we are setting the global standard in growing a safe, secure food supply capable of feeding a growing population, regardless of calendar or climate. Through our multinational network of indoor farms and consumer brands, BrightFarms and Mucci Farms, the business has already become the largest greenhouse operator in the United States and Canada, surpassing $500 million in revenue and growing our workforce to thousands of dedicated and passionate employees. We’re future proofing the world of produce and serving the biggest names in retail across thousands of stores. And we’re just getting started. Want to grow the future of food together? Join Cox Farms today!

Our Yorkville, Illinois, farm is our second and 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.

Specifically, you will:

• Assist in managing the greenhouse production of hydroponic greens at their 8-acre greenhouse in Yorkville, IL. The Greenhouse Technician reports to the Head Grower
• Be 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
• Maintain set points, health and productivity of hydroponic gutter systems, including nutrient balance, pH management, temperature, aeration, sanitation, and irrigation mechanicals
• Assist 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
• Be responsible for ensuring the greenhouse is free of insect pests and disease using BrightFarms’ IDPM protocols
• Collaborate with Head Grower, Grower, and Apprentice Grower to track R&D projects to optimize yields and quality of existing products and develop new products
• Support the Head Grower and General Manager and is accountable for maintaining a neat and orderly greenhouse facility

The ideal candidate:

• 2-years’ experience in greenhouse production or similar

Preferred qualifications:

• 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

Employment Notice

This role will support all Cox Farms businesses. The employer for this role is BrightFarms Inc. and is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For roles based in the United States: Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for employer sponsorship. For roles based in Canada: applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

Let’s grow the future of food together. Join Cox Farms today.