Grower

Little Leaf Farms; McAdoo (PA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Little Leaf Farms is seeking a dedicated Grower Support role to maintain and operate water technical systems for optimal plant growth in our Pennsylvania hydroponic facilities.

Responsibilities include monitoring climate, managing fertilizer applications, tracking pests, and ensuring GMP/HACCP compliance. On-site work with strong teamwork and quick problem-solving is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture or plant sciences related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience with data analysis and plant physiology is required.
• Willingness to perform manual labor tasks and lift up to 55 lbs.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to teach others.

Responsibilities

• Monitor greenhouse settings including temperature, humidity, and water chemistry and coordinate with Head Grower.
• Mix and apply fertilizer according to specific formulas and schedule.
• Distribute biologic controls weekly per species and schedule.
• Record pest counts and share with the growing team to discuss solutions.
• Conduct daily inspections of greenhouse lines for mechanical or climate issues.
• Maintain proper record-keeping for fertilizer orders and inventory.
• Be on-call and respond to emergency situations as needed.
• Participate in trainings and alignment meetings related to grower operations.
• Adhere to GMP and HACCP guidelines; report food safety or quality concerns.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Strong communication

Leadership experience

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in horticulture or plant sciences related field

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Ridder

Hoogendorn

Priva

Argus

Job description

Description

The purpose of this position is to maintain and operate the water technical systems and monitor and troubleshoot processes to ensure optimum plant growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor greenhouse settings including temperature, humidity, and water chemistry, and implement solutions in coordination with the Head Grower.
• Mix fertilizer by following specific formulas for each mixture.
• Apply fertilizer to plants based on growing schedule.
• Distribute biologic controls weekly following the approved methods for each species.
• Count and track invasive pests in the greenhouse; record in appropriate spreadsheet, share with growing team, and discuss solutions.
• Conduct daily inspections of greenhouse lines for mechanical and/or climate issues.
• Receive, store, and properly record ordered fertilizer.
• Will be required to be on-call and to respond to emergency situations.
• Participate in trainings as needed.
• Participate in grower's, food safety, and production alignment meetings.
• Assist with other greenhouse functions as time permits.
• Expected to adhere to safe work practices, follow GMP and HACCP guidelines, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality or personnel safety.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, co-workers, and management.
• May make decisions and perform the job responsibilities of Grower in their absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:

• 3 years minimum work experience including the following:
• Use of Ridder, Hoogendorn, Priva, or Argus climate computers
• Hydroponic crop production in a CEA operation; leafy greens production strongly preferred but not required
• High School Diploma/GED required; Bachelor's degree in horticulture or plant sciences related field strongly preferred
• Basic to advanced botany, physics, chemistry, data analysis, plant physiology knowledge and strong analytical skills; proficiency in use of Microsoft software
• Willingness to do a wide range of manual labor tasks and ability to lift at least 55lbs
• Must demonstrate strong attention to detail, ability to learn quickly, adaptability, organizational skills, and ability to utilize a big picture, systems thinking approach to solving problems
• Good communication skills, stress management, and sense of accountability
• Experience serving in a leadership capacity and understanding of how to communicate your knowledge and teach new skills to a variety of learning styles
• Must be a responsible and reliable team player with a positive attitude, high level of maturity, and strong work ethic