Assistant Head Grower
JOB SUMMARY
Lead and develop the site growing team under the direction of the Head Grower. Support company goals in producing top quality plants for our customers. Walk and inspect crops, supervise and train Section Growers and Irrigation Staff to prioritize daily tasks. Regularly scout and identify plant health issues. Collaborate with the IPM Coordinator to prevent/eliminate pest and disease issues, and perform culture trials (GR, fertilizer, dry down, temperature trials). Ensure all work is performed in accordance with company policies and promotes a safe working environment. Be flexible and willing to regularly travel between two different work sites.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Collaborate with Head Grower to ensure environment and cultural needs are met for superior quality, yield, and timing.
- Collaborate with Head Grower to develop and maintain section growers.
- Participate in crop walks such as Trim/Pinch, IPM, QC etc. as directed by Head Grower.
- Support all aspects of Tissue Culture, Vegetative, Seed and Finish crops
- Communicate in a timely manner on potential crop questions and issues. Work proactively with Head Grower to find solutions and take necessary actions to solve or minimize potential challenges.
- Maintain and update PPL Grower’s notes.
- Oversee monthly MPS reporting.
- Collaborate with Production to troubleshoot crops and communicate to QC on any quality issues.
- Lead weekly grower huddles and training (safety, 6s, PHA etc.)
- Assist in managing IPM (Integrated Pest Management) program that uses biological and conventional controls.
- Collaborate with Head Grower on PGR (Plant Growth Regulator) SOP and help monitor implementation.
- Lead IPM Coordinator in training new team members to participate in pesticide applications and scouting.
- Oversee chemical application and record maintenance.
- Collaborate with Head Grower to evaluate systems and equipment for functionality and upgrades
- Oversee TPM of equipment and systems
- Oversee training of growers on new and existing equipment by creating and implementing SOPs
- Oversee presentation of IPM and soil testing results
COMPETENCIES
- Clearly convey information and instructions to team members and other departments.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external customers
- Analyze data and situations to identify problems and opportunities for improvement.
- Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and systems.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, customers, vendors, and other departments.
- Efficiently manage time and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
- Develop and implement plans to improve shipping processes and efficiency.
- Foster and promote a safety culture.
- Bilingual preferred - Spanish
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field, 3 years of industry experience, or an equivalent combination.
- Proven experience in a supervisory or managerial role, including managing teams and coordinating operations.
- Comprehensive knowledge on production of quality plant material.
- Knowledge of biological controls and IPM programs.
- Knowledge of PRIVA and ARGUS environmental control systems
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
- Pesticide applicator’s license (can be obtained once hired).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Work long hours as needed during busy season, including some weekends
- Work in both an office and greenhouse environment
- Work indoors and outdoors, in seasonal temperatures and conditions.
- May continuously walk, stand, bend, kneel as well as reaching overhead, and from side to side for long periods of time.
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
PAY RANGE
$70,000 -$90,000 per year
- $16-$18
- $22.50-$25.50 Per hour
BENEFITS STATEMENT
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including immediate PTO accrual, Medical, Dental and Vision after 30 days, plus matching 401(k) and Company-Paid LTD after one year.
MORE THAN A JOB
Smith Gardens is in the Top 10 Privately Owned Companies in Whatcom County. Our business is growing, so you can find career opportunities that match your goals and fuel your passion. Plus, we promote from within every chance we get!
Smith Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion,transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process. To make this request please email humanresources@smithgardens.com
We are an E-verify employer.