Hydroponics & Aquaponics Specialist

Drop the Beet, LLC; Belmar (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Drop the Beet, LLC in New Jersey is seeking a motivated Hydroponics and Aquaponics Specialist to operate and maintain systems while delivering educational programming to students and teachers. You will guide workshops, assist schools, and represent the organization professionally.

The role requires hands-on maintenance, clear communication with clients, and the ability to lead educational activities focused on sustainable agriculture and STEM.

Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in environmental education, hydroponics, aquaponics, horticulture or related fields.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; able to interact with teachers, students and clients.
• Comfortable presenting information and leading hands-on activities.
• Professional, personable, and client-facing with strong relationship skills.
• Basic understanding of plant nutrition, pH, EC, water chemistry, irrigation and recirculating systems.
• Detail-oriented with problem-solving abilities; able to troubleshoot equipment.
• Comfortable using pumps, plumbing, filtration and other mechanical growing equipment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; reliable and adaptable.
• Physical capacity for standing, lifting materials, and long drives if needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate and oversee hydroponic and aquaponic systems, monitor nutrients, pH, EC, water quality and environmental conditions.
• Plant, transplant, prune, harvest and maintain crops as needed.
• Monitor plants and fish for health issues and respond promptly.
• Perform routine cleaning, sanitisation and maintenance of growing systems.
• Troubleshoot pumps, irrigation, plumbing, filtration, lighting and related equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of crop production, water quality and system conditions.
• Train clients and participate in harvesting, packaging and preparing produce.
• Lead educational exercises, demonstrations, and workshops on hydroponics, aquaponics, agriculture and STEM.
• Collaborate with teachers and school staff to integrate growing systems into classroom lessons.
• Represent the organization professionally to clients and partners.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Public speaking

Client-facing

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Transportation access

Physical stamina

Tools

Pumps

Plumbing

Filtration

Mechanical equipment

Job description

We are seeking a motivated, dependable, and highly communicative Hydroponics and Aquaponics

Specialist to join our team. This position combines hands-on operation and maintenance of

hydroponic and aquaponic systems with educational programming and client support.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working directly with plants, equipment, teachers, students, staff,

and clients. This candidate should be an effective communicator who can explain technical concepts

in an engaging and easy-to-understand way, lead educational activities, and represent the

organization professionally.

Responsibilities:

• Operate and oversee hydroponic and aquaponic growing systems and equipment, maintaining proper nutrient levels, pH, EC, water quality, and environmental conditions.
• Plant, transplant, prune, harvest, and maintain crops as needed.
• Monitor plants and fish for signs of nutrient deficiencies, pests, disease, stress, or other health issues.
• Perform routine cleaning, sanitisation, and preventive maintenance of growing systems.
• Troubleshoot pumps, irrigation systems, plumbing, filtration, lighting, and other growing equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of crop production, water quality, nutrient levels, system conditions, fish health, and harvests.
• Train clients and participate in harvesting, packaging, and preparing produce.
• Lead educational exercises, demonstrations, workshops, and hands-on learning activities focused on hydroponics, aquaponics, agriculture, sustainability, and STEM.
• Work directly with teachers and school staff to support educational programming and integrate growing systems into classroom and project-based learning.
• Serve as a client-facing representative of the organization and maintain professional relationships with clients and partner organisations.
• Provide clients with guidance, training, and support related to the operation and use of hydroponic and aquaponic systems.
• Communicate system, crop, fish health, maintenance, or production issues clearly to management and clients.
• Assist with installation, set-up, and training for hydroponic and aquaponic systems.
• Follow established growing procedures and maintain clean, organized, and productive growing environments.
• Participate in outreach, community events, and educational programming as needed.
• Follow all company safety and operating procedures.

Qualifications:

• Experience with environmental education, hydroponics, aquaponics, horticulture, agriculture, aquaculture, greenhouse growing, education, or a related field preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to confidently communicate and work with teachers, school staff, students, clients, and community partners.
• Comfortable presenting information and leading educational exercises or hands-on activities.
• Professional, personable, and comfortable in a client-facing role.
• Basic understanding of plant nutrition, pH, EC, water chemistry, irrigation, and recirculating growing systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and resolve problems early.
• Comfortable working with tools, pumps, plumbing, filtration, and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Reliable, organized, adaptable, and willing to learn.
• Ability to perform physical work, including standing for extended periods and lifting materials as needed.
• Must have reliable transportation, and be comfortable driving long distances to.

What We're Looking For:

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, educator, problem-solver, and hands-on grower who enjoys working with people as much as working with plants and growing systems.

You should be comfortable getting your hands dirty, troubleshooting technical challenges, teaching others, speaking with clients, and building positive relationships with teachers and staff. A passion for agriculture, sustainability, education, and innovative food-production systems is highly valued.