Grower

Little Leaf Farms; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Little Leaf Farms is seeking a greenhouse technician to monitor water and climate systems to optimize plant growth. You will mix and apply fertilizers, distribute biological controls, and track pests with the growing team.

The role requires attention to detail, 3+ years in hydroponics or CEA operations, and a readiness for manual labor in a fast-paced environment. GMP/HACCP practices guide safety and quality.

Qualifications

• 3 years minimum work experience in a greenhouse or related setting.
• Experience with climate computers or farm automation systems.
• Bachelor's or higher in horticulture or plant sciences preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft software and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Monitor greenhouse settings (temperature, humidity, water chemistry) and coordinate with Head Grower.
• Mix and apply fertilizer per schedules and formulas.
• Distribute biologic controls weekly as approved for each species.
• Track pests and record data in spreadsheets; discuss solutions with team.
• Conduct daily inspections of greenhouse lines for issues.
• On-call and respond to emergencies as needed.
• Attend trainings and participate in alignment meetings.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong analytical skills

Leadership experience

Good communication skills

Willingness for manual labor

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field

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