Grow Tech I

Local Bounti Corporation; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Full time

Job summary

A sustainable agriculture company in Oxnard, California is seeking a Grow Technician to collaborate with production teams in ensuring high-quality plant production. Key duties include monitoring environmental conditions, scheduling irrigation, and maintaining greenhouse equipment. Candidates should have a high school diploma with 1+ years of agricultural work experience. Proficiency in English, teamwork abilities, and physical stamina are essential for success in this role. The position offers a wage of $18.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Alignment with Local Bounti’s Core Values and safety culture.
• Basic proficiency in English for communication.
• Knowledge of safe operations for equipment.
• Understanding of basic machines and tools.
• Ability to adjust machine controls accurately.
• Strong communication skills.
• Logical and analytical thinking skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team.
• Physical strength and stamina for job duties.
• Capability to work independently and multitask.
• Practical knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Monitor environment and report abnormal conditions.
• Maintain work zone cleanliness and efficiency.
• Schedule and monitor irrigation cycles.
• Perform routine tests on irrigation water.
• Collect crop samples for analysis.
• Scout for pests and diseases.
• Learn to handle chemicals and fertilizers safely.
• Operate and maintain greenhouse equipment.
• Utilize software for data entry and task management.
• Report issues to supervisors and suggest improvements.
• Provide directions to employees as needed.
• Complete additional assigned duties.

Skills

Core values and safety commitment

English proficiency

Safe equipment operations

Machine and tool familiarity

Effective communication

Logical thinking

Attention to detail

Teamwork skills

Physical stamina

Work independently

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree in horticulture, agriculture, or related field

Job description

At Local Bounti, our mission is to revolutionize agriculture by making fresh, locally grown produce accessible to communities everywhere, now and for generations to come. We envision a future where transformative innovation and technology empower us to grow produce locally with minimal food miles, ensuring the freshest and most sustainable offerings reach communities around the globe.

We believe that happy plants make happy taste buds, and we are committed to reimagining the standards of freshness. Beyond growing produce, we focus on building empowered local teams because together we can achieve extraordinary things in sustainable agriculture.

Position Overview

The Grow Technician will work closely with production and grow teams to efficiently produce high‑quality plants. This role involves monitoring environmental conditions, scheduling irrigation, maintaining work zones, and assisting with various tasks related to plant growth and health. The Grow Technician must perform each duty to an acceptable standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor environment: Assist growers in monitoring the environment and promptly report any abnormal conditions.
• Maintain work zone efficiency: Keep the work zone clean and organized to ensure optimal operational efficiency.
• Irrigation scheduling: Schedule and monitor irrigation cycles to ensure proper watering.
• Irrigation water testing: Perform routine tests on irrigation water (EC, pH, ORP, DO, and temperature measurements) and promptly report abnormalities.
• Collect crop samples: Collect crop samples for internal or external analysis, ensuring accurate data collection.
• Pest and disease control: Routinely scout for pests and diseases, acting when necessary.
• Chemical and fertilizer handling: Learn how to safely mix, load, and apply chemicals and fertilizers.
• Equipment operation and maintenance: Operate and maintain greenhouse or nursery equipment, including performing basic maintenance tasks.
• Software utilization: Use various software systems for data entry and task management.
• Communicate issues: Report issues and challenges to supervisors and work proactively to improve processes.
• Provide directions: Offer guidance to employees from other departments as needed.
• Perform additional duties: Complete any additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Core values and safety commitment: Alignment with Local Bounti’s Core Values and commitment to upholding the facility's safety culture.
• English proficiency: Basic proficiency in English, including reading, writing, and verbal communication.
• Safe equipment operations: Knowledge of safe operations for equipment and machinery.
• Machine and tool familiarity: Understanding of basic machines and tools, including their operation and maintenance.
• Adjust machine controls: Ability to quickly and accurately adjust machine or process controls.
• Effective communication: Strong communication skills to convey information clearly.
• Logical thinking: Ability to think logically and analytically to identify alternative solutions to problems.
• Attention to detail: Strong focus on accuracy with attention to detail.
• Teamwork skills: Ability to collaborate and work well in a team.
• Physical stamina: Physical strength and endurance to perform job duties.
• Work independently: Capability to work independently and multitask effectively.
• Microsoft Office proficiency: Practical knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.).

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate's degree in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field is preferred.
• 1 or more years of experience working in a greenhouse, hydroponic, or agricultural production environment.
• Basic understanding of plant biology, nutrient management, and environmental control systems.
• Familiarity with hydroponic systems and pest management is a plus.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain accurate records related to crop production.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed for crop production.

Physical Demands

• Standing/Walking: Regularly required to stand and walk for extended periods during greenhouse activities.
• Climbing/Balance: Occasionally required to climb or balance when accessing plants or equipment at various heights.
• Sitting: Occasionally required to sit during training or meetings.
• Stooping: Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl to tend to plants and perform maintenance tasks.
• Mechanical Exposure: Regularly works near mechanical systems and equipment used in greenhouse operations.
• Weather Exposure: May work in varying temperatures and conditions within the greenhouse environment.
• Coordination: Ability to coordinate hand and foot movements while operating equipment and performing tasks.
• Timing: Ability to time movements effectively when handling tools and performing maintenance tasks.
• Lifting/Moving: Frequently required to lift and/or move objects weighing 10 to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Vision Requirements: Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus when monitoring plant health and equipment.

Wage: $18.00