Grower

About the role

Our client, a major contributor in the agriculture sector, is seeking a Grower to lead all greenhouse crop production activities in Rochelle, Illinois. Reporting to the General Manager, this role combines strategic crop management, people leadership, environmental control, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve optimal yield, quality, plant health, and operational efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of greenhouse crop production from planting through harvest.
• Develop and execute crop strategies that maximize yield, quality, and consistency.
• Monitor crop performance and implement corrective actions as required.
• Establish and maintain greenhouse climate, irrigation, and fertigation programs.
• Optimize plant nutrition strategies to support crop health and production objectives.
• Evaluate crop performance data and make recommendations to improve outcomes.
• Support the introduction and cultivation of new crop varieties and growing methods.
• Manage greenhouse climate settings including temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting.
• Analyze environmental data and adjust strategies to improve plant performance and resource utilization.
• Optimize irrigation systems and water management practices.
• Collaborate with Maintenance teams to ensure growing equipment operates effectively and reliably.
• Lead and oversee the facility's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
• Monitor pest and disease pressures and implement effective prevention and treatment strategies.
• Ensure all pesticide and biological control applications meet regulatory and company standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Assistant Growers, IPM Specialists, Supervisors, and Quality personnel.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality assurance, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Support and maintain programs related to HACCP, GMP, and other industry standards.

Requirements

• Post-Secondary education in Horticulture, Agronomy, Agriculture, Plant Science, or other related fields.
• 5 - 7+ years of commercial greenhouse growing experience.
• Grower Pesticide Certification required, or the ability to obtain certification.
• Strong understanding of greenhouse crop production, plant nutrition, irrigation, and climate management.
• Experience utilizing greenhouse environmental control systems and production management software.
• Proven leadership experience in a production or agricultural environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Skills

• Experience with PRIVA or similar greenhouse climate control systems.
• Knowledge of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technologies.
• Familiarity with food safety systems, HACCP, GMP, and GFSI-recognized standards.
• Experience leading large greenhouse production teams.

Pay

Base Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000 annually, with an annual bonus available.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• 401K with company matching.
• Opportunity to work for a rapidly growing company.