Assistant Grower

Description

The Assistant Grower – Young Plants at Costa Farms is a hands-on, detail-oriented individual passionate about horticulture, crop quality, and team collaboration. As part of the Young Plants growing operation, they are responsible for managing and executing the daily tasks of growing and maintaining high-quality plug and propagation products on time, at a reasonable cost, and to the required quality specifications as directed by the Managing Grower / Grower.

Responsibilities

• Understand and implement irrigation, chemical application, and fertilization protocols as directed by the Managing Grower / Grower; effectively provide direction and supervision to team members executing these tasks.
• Monitor crops for and identify common growth, health, insect, and disease challenges; relay any quality or pest issues to the Grower / Managing Grower.
• Evaluate crop protection needs; help supervise and participate in pest management including IPM programs and protocol; assist in writing orders for pesticide and biological applications as needed; review scouting reports weekly and collaborate with the Grower / Managing Grower and IPM Manager to develop action plans.
• Collect tissue, water, and soil samples for standard nutrition and pathology analysis; take basic in-house measurements related to nutrition and environmental monitoring.
• Follow, execute, and maintain records of crop activities, pesticide applications, and growth records on bench cards or other requested methods.
• Work closely with the Grower / Managing Grower to schedule and monitor operational task quality and efficiency; assist with assigning standard and ad-hoc operational tasks. Successfully attain a passing grade on the 5 Levels of Moisture Management Training at the first available session after being hired.
• Upkeep and maintain the fertigation system and related infrastructure used daily; relay any major infrastructure or equipment issues to the Grower / Managing Grower.
• Assist in training new employees in growing techniques and activities; share responsibility with the Grower / Managing Grower in enforcing workplace organization (WPO) and safety standards in respective work areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or a related field is preferred.
• Familiarity with proper moisture management techniques and nutrient management testing procedures.
• Ability to identify common crop insect and disease problems, observe crop stress signs, and react accordingly.
• Ability to accurately follow instructions and effectively communicate with team members and management; English/Spanish bilingual preferred.
• Ability to calculate amounts, proportions, percentages, and volumes related to fertilizers, chemicals, and water; apply basic mathematical and algebraic principles for such calculations.
• Possess a pesticide applicator’s license or be willing and able to enroll in the program.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data to diverse audiences.
• Ability to learn and use a variety of computer software, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and other operational tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks and requests simultaneously.
• Foster positive working relationships and work independently as well as part of a team; focus on planning, organizing, and attention to detail.

Physical Demands

Medium Work: Lifting up to 50 lbs; regularly exerting physical effort to carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects as part of daily growing operations.

Work Environment

Mixed Indoor and Outdoor Environment: This position operates primarily outdoors and in greenhouses, with indoor time for administrative tasks and record-keeping. The ability to work in high-heat, high-humidity greenhouse conditions (up to and over 100°F) with a significant amount of moisture present is required.