Grower Technician

Walters Gardens, Inc.; Zeeland (MI); In loco; USD 19.000 - 28.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Disability insurance

Life Insurance

Wellness program

Employee discounts

PTO (Paid Time Off)

Paid Holidays

Education reimbursement

Counseling services

Descrizione del lavoro

Walters Gardens, Inc. is seeking a Grower Technician to assist the Greenhouse team in producing high-quality plants. You will work closely with the Section Grower and Lead Grower to maintain moisture, fertilization, sanitation, and overall crop health in the greenhouse environment.

Responsibilities include irrigation management, fertilizer scheduling, weed control, and aiding with plant care, pruning, and pest/disease reporting as part of the IPM team. Some weekend work is required.

Competenze

• Basic organizational and math skills.
• Ability to stand for 9 hours daily.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Weekend availability required.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Mansioni

• Monitor and manage irrigation to maintain proper moisture across crops.
• Apply and adjust fertilizer based on weekly testing and water sampling.
• Scout for and control algae, liverwort, and weeds; maintain sanitation in aisles and floors.

Conoscenze

On your feet 9 hours

Lifts up to 50 lbs

Weekend availability

Bilingual English/Spanish

Formazione

2 years horticulture education/experience

Descrizione del lavoro

Department: Greenhouse
Supervisor: Lead Grower Production Stock
Direct Reports: None
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

PRIMARY PURPOSE AND FUNCTION:

The Grower Technician assists the Section Grower and Lead Grower in ensuring all plants produced in the greenhouses at Walters Gardens are grown to the highest quality standard and in a safe, efficient, and economical way.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Moisture Management

• Monitor crops daily to determine when to irrigate plants based on growing environment, plant needs, and moisture levels
• Learn different varieties, sizes, season cycles, and water patterns to achieve a proper and even moisture level throughout crops
• Operate, maintain, and schedule all irrigation systems
• Communicate with Section Grower and Lead Grower for specific water, environmental, and special application needs daily and before weekends/holidays
• Participate in Friday, weekend, and holiday watering schedules

Fertility Management

• Read, assess and coordinate weekly media testing and water sampling
• Schedule and apply fertilizer and/or other nutrients weekly based on media testing results
• Learn and understand the different fertilizer blends and rates
• Choose between fertilizer blends and rates for optimal plant nutrition based on media testing and water sampling results
• Learn the season cycles and sales programs in order to keep crops on schedule

Sanitation

• Scout weekly for algae, liverwort, and weeds in and around the greenhouses
• Apply sanitation techniques to control algae and liverwort growth
• Remove and destroy all weeds and liverwort as they are observed
• Keep greenhouse aisles and floor matting free of debris
• Make herbicide applications around the greenhouses as needed

Additional Duties

• Participate in chemical applications of plant growth regulators, fungicides, and insecticides
• Monitor crops and coordinate mowing/pruning as needed
• Assist with mowing and moving of plants as needed
• Observe and communicate any pest and disease issues to the IPM Team, Section Grower, and Lead Grower immediately
• Communicate any other problems or concerns to Section Grower and/or Lead Grower immediately
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• 2 years of horticulture education or experience
• Basic organizational and math skills
• Ability to be on your feet for 9 hours each day
• Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50lbs)
• Available to work on weekends as needed
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
• Company Paid Short and Long-Term Disability
• Option to Purchase additional Life Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Employee Discounts on Company Products
• Family and Medical Leave
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Medical Leave (PML)
• Company Paid Holidays
• Employee Incentive Program
• Employee Events
• Education Reimbursement
• On-site Financial and Mental Health Counseling Services

Walters Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer.