Head Grower

Bosch Growers; Somerset (KY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering firm in sustainable agriculture as a Grower, where you'll lead innovative strawberry production in a state-of-the-art greenhouse. This role offers a unique chance to shape the future of food production while ensuring quality and sustainability. You'll oversee various aspects of the growing process, including climate management and pest control, while collaborating with a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional produce. If you have experience in controlled-environment agriculture or a strong desire to learn, this opportunity is perfect for you. Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your contributions and fosters growth.

Benefits

401(k)

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Health savings account

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Vision insurance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in horticulture or 5-7 years of experience in controlled environment agriculture.
• 5+ years of knowledge in diverse plant material and pest management.

Responsibilities

• Lead growing operations in a high-tech greenhouse for optimal strawberry production.
• Manage climate control systems and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Plant identification

Greenhouse control systems

Disease/pest recognition

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field

5 - 7 years of controlled environment agriculture experience

Tools

Priva software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Bosch Berries is a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, dedicated to producing high-quality strawberries in an environmentally responsible manner. Our 30-acre controlled-environment agriculture facility represents the forefront of innovation, combining advanced technology with a commitment to sustainability. We are passionate about delivering exceptional produce while minimizing our environmental impact, and our team plays a vital role in setting the standard for modern agriculture.

As a Grower at Bosch Berries, you will lead the growing operations within our high-tech greenhouse facility, ensuring optimal strawberry production while maintaining our commitment to quality and sustainability. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge agricultural practices and shape the future of food production. While experience in strawberry production is a plus, it is not required—we welcome candidates with strong controlled-environment agriculture experience in other crops.

Duties

• Assist in all aspects of the production process, including integrated pest management, climate management, crop maintenance, and labor planning and scheduling.
• Provide updates and work with labor manager on yield forecasting.
• Assist in managing greenhouse climate control system (including daily and weekly plans/actions) and crop inspections to maintain quality standards.
• Determine and monitor climate control system settings using Priva software for heating, venting, watering, and lighting.
• Maintain current knowledge of growing techniques and technologies.
• Monitor the working environment to ensure compliance with company and statutory hygiene, health, and safety standards, as well as policies and procedures.
• Ensure all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and policies are followed and report food safety and quality problems to authorized personnel.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and hygiene key performance indicators (KPIs), as well as policies and procedures.
• Oversee crop nutrition, including weekly and longer-term nutrition strategies for all stages of the crop cycle.
• Direct pest and disease management, including recommending and implementing weekly and long-term control strategies, incorporating integrated pest management (IPM).
• Manage water resources, including daily and weekly plans/actions, as well as operational troubleshooting of water systems and equipment.
• Monitor labor management and performance in conjunction with Growers and Supervisors.
• Lead and participate in projects to improve quality, safety, performance, and yield.
• Other core expectations as defined by the company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field or between 5 - 7 years of controlled environment agriculture industry work experience.
• 5+ years of broad growing knowledge of diverse plant material.
• Proficient knowledge of plant identification, greenhouse control systems, plant cultural requirements, and disease/pest recognition.
• Experience with fertilizers, chemicals, and water, including calculation of amounts, proportions, percentages, and volume for application.
• Knowledge of major plant groups and their culture and growth traits.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), health and safety, food safety, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and the PrimusGFS program.
• Identification of plant diseases and the existence of insects.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills to train team members and interact with all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Bosch Berries is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Bosch Berries is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or any other factor legally protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Extended hours
• Year-round work

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Food Production