Lead Grower

Aris Horticulture, Inc.; Alva (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Keepsake Plants in Alva, Florida seeks a Grower to manage production crops, develop propagation processes, and train staff in WPS and MSDS standards. You will ensure greenhouse operations are efficient, safe, and aligned with customer requirements and schedules.

The role requires leadership of the growing team, ensuring pest management and environmental controls are followed, while coordinating with the IPM group and other departments to meet production goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum AA degree/BA degree in Horticulture or related field preferred.
• Minimum five years in propagating or growing container crops.
• Current pesticide license required or must obtain within 60 days.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and ARGUS environmental programs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain propagation schedules and rooting according to customer requirements.
• Set watering and fertilization schedules for optimum growth.
• Monitor propagation areas and mist schedules; ensure crop quality.
• Coordinate with maintenance, inventory, and production for space and repairs.
• Provide coaching and supervision of grower helpers.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

AA/BA in Horticulture or related field

Tools

ARGUS environmental system

Job description

Grower at Keepsake Plants in Alva, Florida

JOB SUMMARY:

Managing all the production crops at Alva Farm to ensure quality salable products using the most effective and economical growing methods. Assist in development and dissemination of the appropriate growing and propagation processes and techniques. Assist in training employees in WPS and MSDS standards. Assure greenhouse facility and equipment is maintained and functional. Work closely with director of growing, grower’s assistant and IPM group on pesticide applications. This is not a cannabis farm.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain propagation ideals and growing schedules for all Alva Farm production crops to ensure adequate rooting and growth according to customer requirements.
• Set and monitor watering and fertilization schedules to maintain optimum growth.
• Maintain mist schedules in the propagation areas.
• Release product for pinching, harvest, shipment ensuring product meets customer’s valid requirements (i.e. moisture, height, rooting, maturity, insect and disease free, etc.)
• Communicate quality or scheduling problems to appropriate parties in timely manner.
• Communicate with others on growing staff as to changes in procedures, crop requirements, assignments for propagators, etc.
• Monitor employees to ensure all safety rules housekeeping rules and procedures are adhered to.
• Maintain proper growing environment with use of ARGUS computerized environmental systems in enclosed greenhouses.
• Ensure schedule for proper maintenance of greenhouses and equipment is followed by growing and maintenance staff.
• Coordinate with Maintenance Department need for necessary repairs and/or preventative maintenance tasks.
• Coordinate with Inventory and Production departments as to space utilization, movement of product, availability of product for shipment, etc.
• Assist in in planning labor and materials for growing areas.
• Rotate weekends and holidays for scheduling work for growing staff. Required to wear a radio to be available for problem solving and providing information to staff.
• Must have good attendance.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct supervision of all associate and grower helpers.
• Participation in Frost Patrol either day or night.
• 4) Assign workload to members of growing staff on all shifts.
• 5) Address employee relation problems. Maintain documentation on employee issues such as attendance, performance issues, corrective action, etc.
• 6) Conduct one on one coaching as necessary.
• 7) Conduct performance evaluations of employees under direct supervision.
• 8) Fill in for other growers in case of illness, vacations, meetings, or other absences.
• 9) Assist in training of Associate growers, Grower’s helpers, scouts, and spray personnel.
• 10) Maintain crop records such as pesticide applications, fertilization and watering schedules, etc.
• 11) Willing to work a varied schedule with overtime, evening, and weekend hours as necessary.

JOB SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 1) Minimum AA degree/BA degree in Horticulture or related field preferred.
• 2) Minimum of Five (5) years in propagating and/or growing experience in container products.
• 3) Current pesticide license required or must obtain one within 60 days of hire.
• 4) Previous experience with document, database, and spreadsheet computer programs. (Microsoft Programs preferred).
• 5) Previous experience with computer environmental programs. (Argus Preferred)
• 6) Effectively demonstrate leadership skills through setting a good role model for others, using interpersonal skills when dealing with difficult matters
• 7) Ability to effectively communicate using verbal and written communication skills.
• 8) Ability to coordinate between several departments, using good communication and interpersonal skills. Able to maintain good relationships while taking in account multiple personalities.
• 9) Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with employee issues or in dealing with other supervisors and managers.
• 10) Ability to analyze and make decisions on best methods while using good judgment.
• 11) Must be up-to-date on Worker Protection Standard laws.
• 12) Willingness to adhere to all company procedures, safety and housekeeping rules and to effectively communicate these to employees.
• 13) Bilingual – English/Spanish highly desirable.