Lead Grower

Little Leaf Farms; McAdoo (PA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Little Leaf Farms in McAdoo, PA, seeks a seasoned greenhouse operations lead to monitor the growing process and environment across the facility. You will oversee climate and water systems, fertilizer prep, and daily plant health checks to ensure high yields and quality.

You will supervise staff, train on SOPs, manage expenses for growing materials and utilities, and participate in safety and production meetings to align with company standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy or a related field.
• Ability to speak Spanish preferred.
• 5 years growing experience.
• 1-2 years supervisory experience.
• Pesticide applicator license.
• Grower’s Safety Training.
• Proficient in Hortimax and Microsoft software.
• Analytical Skills.
• Communication Skills.
• Teamwork.
• Problem Solving Skills.
• Managing People.

Responsibilities

• Monitor greenhouse systems including climate and water quality.
• Prep and mix fertilizers for planting.
• Analyze and identify greenhouse pests for type and population within environment taking appropriate action when needed.
• Analyze the forecast, water results, alarm logs, basin levels, drain rates, cumulative irrigation totals and water bills.
• Analyze crop health, size, speed, and sales demand to predict yield.
• Conduct daily inspections of seeding and greenhouse lines.
• Train and develop staff in SOPs, water tech and operation, etc. as part of initial hire and continuous improvement.
• Order all materials and supplies needed for growing team and greenhouse cleaners.
• Track and maintain expenses for growing materials, utilities and other supplies.
• Interview job applicants and make hiring recommendations.
• Evaluate staff performance to recommend personnel actions such as hiring, retention, promotion, transfer or dismissal.
• Serve in an on-call capacity at least one week per month.
• Participate in training as needed.
• Participate in grower’s, food safety and production alignment meetings

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Problem Solving Skills

Managing People

Spanish language

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy or a related field

Tools

Hortimax

Microsoft Office

Job description

Monitor all aspects of the growing process and greenhouse environment

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage greenhouse systems including climate and water quality
• Prep and mix fertilizers for planting
• Analyze and identify greenhouse pests for type and population within environment taking appropriate action when needed
• Analyze the forecast, water results, alarm logs, basin levels, drain rates, cumulative irrigation totals and water bills
• Analyze crop health, size, speed, and sales demand to predict yield
• Conduct daily inspections of seeding and greenhouse lines
• Train and develop staff in SOPs, water tech and operation, etc. as part of initial hire and continuous improvement
• Order all materials and supplies needed for growing team and greenhouse cleaners
• Track and maintain expenses for growing materials, utilities and other supplies
• Interview job applicants and make hiring recommendations
• Evaluate staff performance to recommend personnel actions such as hiring, retention, promotion, transfer or dismissal
• Serve in an on-call capacity at least one week per month
• Participate in training as needed
• Participate in grower’s, food safety and production alignment meetings

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy or a related field
• Ability to speak Spanish preferred
• 5 years growing experience
• 1-2 years supervisory experience
• Pesticide applicator license
• Grower’s Safety Training
• Proficient in Hortimax and Microsoft software
• Analytical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving Skills
• Managing People

Physical Requirements

Required to stand or walk for long periods of time; will need to talk/listen; use hands/fingers to handle or feel; need to smell or taste produce; may need to climb, kneel, or crawl as well as reach in the course of work. Required to lift medium to heavy levels of supplies or equipment.

Salary Description

110-130K commensurate with experience plus bonus