Lead Cultivator

Homeboy Industries; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Homeboy Harvest, the hydroponic farming arm of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, operates a cutting-edge indoor farm that grows greens with water-efficient systems and strict safety standards.

The Lead Cultivator role combines advanced agricultural science with hands-on leadership. You will mentor trainees, supervise daily cultivation activities, and ensure high-quality yields while maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a commercial CEA indoor farming environment, with at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
• Obsessive attention to sanitation, biosecurity, and organizational systems.
• Comfort working with agricultural sensors, automation dashboards, and farming software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee seeding, transplanting, and harvesting of leafy greens and herbs in a hydroponic setup.
• Manage storage, rotation, and inventory of harvested product.
• Monitor water chemistry and automated nutrient delivery systems to maintain optimal plant health.
• Maintain a sterile indoor grow space and enforce cleanliness protocols.
• Log environmental metrics, crop cycles, and yields to optimize efficiency.
• Lead IPM program and address biological threats or nutritional issues.
• Mentor program participants and support trainees' skill development.

Skills

Attention to detail

Agricultural sensors

Automation dashboards

Biosecurity practices

Trauma-informed care

Team mentorship

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture

Tools

Automation software

Climate control systems

IPM programs

Job description

Company OverviewHomeboy Harvest is the newest social enterprise of Homeboy Industries, which combines sustainable urban farming with workforce development. Homeboy Harvest is a cutting-edge hydroponic farm in Los Angeles, dedicated to producing fresh, sustainable, and locally grown produce. Using vertical farming and innovative hydroponic systems, we grow nutrient-rich greens with 90% less water and space than traditional farming. Our closed-loop, eco-friendly approach yields crops three times faster, reducing waste and carbon footprint. Participants learn micro and macro concepts of agriculture and farming, including environmental science, nutritional literacy, and food entrepreneurship.Role SummaryThe Lead Cultivator is responsible for overseeing the daily, hands-on cultivation operations of our indoor Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facility. This role blends advanced agricultural science with team leadership to optimize plant health, maximize crop yields, and maintain strict quality standards. The Lead Cultivator works with a team of work phase trainees who are starting their career in agriculture. They will teach and monitor the team as they learn to automate climate and irrigation systems and ensure full compliance with safety and agricultural regulations.This unique role blends advanced agricultural science with compassionate community leadership. In alignment with our commitment to social enterprise, the Lead Cultivator does not just manage crops; they serve as a core mentor and trainer for program participants. By fostering a supportive, high-accountability environment, this role provides the technical skills and professional foundation necessary to empower individuals as they redirect their lives and build sustainable careers.Key ResponsibilitiesHydroponic Cultivation & BiosecurityHandle the crop management of the indoor hydroponic farm including daily seeding, transplanting, and harvesting of leafy greens and gourmet herbs.Oversee the storage, rotation, and inventory of the product.Master the water and nutrient chemistry by monitoring, calibrating, and maintaining indoor water quality parameters (pH, EC, dissolved oxygen) and automated nutrient delivery systems.Maintain strict cleanliness protocols to prevent crop contamination, keeping the indoor grow space completely sterile.Monitor and log crop cycles, environmental metrics, and yield data to constantly optimize system efficiency.Execute and manage a robust Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program to prevent, identify, and treat biological threats or nutritional deficiencies.Conduct regular quality control sessions to ensure peak freshness and flavor consistency.Required Skills & Qualifications3+ years of experience in a commercial CEA indoor farming environment (hydroponics, vertical farming, or automated greenhouses), with at least 1 year in a supervisory role.Obsessive attention to detail regarding sanitation, biosecurity, and organizational systems.Comfort working with agricultural sensors, automation dashboards, and software.Cultivate a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect, patience, and absolute trauma-informed care, helping trainees develop confidence and strong workplace communication skills.Comfort and resilience working across three distinct environments: high-intensity automated indoor hydroponic rooms, climate-controlled greenhouses, and physically active outdoor spaces containing soil-based raised beds.Consistency and accuracy in developing precise workflows, including logging daily solution metrics (pH/EC), applying calculated seed weights, and adhering to strict sanitation timelines.Excellent communication, collaborative, and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate technical agricultural concepts in an accessible, encouraging, and non-judgmental manner to diverse learners.Technical competence; including strong verbal and writing skills, strong science and math skills.EducationBachelor's degree in agriculture; Horticulture, Environmental Science, Business Management, or related field.Management experience, including supervising and training staff, is desirable.Experience working with a trauma-informed approach is preferred but not required.Working ConditionsIndoor controlled farm and warehouse setting.Schedule may include early mornings, weekends, and holidays, depending on demand.Protective clothing/hairnets/gloves may be required in certain areas.Ability to safely lift to 50 lbs, perform repetitive hands-on physical tasks, and maintain physical stamina during standing shifts across diverse temperatures.