Grower Intern

About the role

Green Circle Growers’ (GCG) Grower Internship Program provides students pursuing degrees in Horticulture or a related field with the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience at one of the largest greenhouse operations in the Midwest. As an industry leader, GCG is committed to innovation, efficiency, and environmentally responsible growing practices. Throughout the program, interns will work alongside experienced Growing staff to mentor and guide them through key aspects of greenhouse operations. This immersive experience is designed to strengthen students’ technical knowledge while preparing them for successful careers in horticulture.

Responsibilities

• Assist with plant care including watering, spacing pots/trays, and moving tables
• Gain hands-on experience in managing greenhouse climate conditions to support the growth of a wide variety of plant species
• Scout crops for insects, diseases, and overall plant health
• Aid greenhouse research by running plant health trials, collecting data, and assessing the effectiveness of different growing methods and treatments
• Assist with biological control programs by releasing beneficial insects, monitoring their effectiveness, and recording data to support sustainable pest management practices
• Support greenhouse upkeep to ensure smooth growing operations
• Assist with soft chemical applications
• Maintain compliance with all safety regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Horticulture or other related field program
• Knowledge of or ability to learn insect and disease scouting practices
• Ability to utilize academic knowledge to support the Growing team in routine tasks related to crop production
• Capable of working in a fast-paced, physically intensive environment
• Flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities throughout the workday
• Strong verbal and/or written communication skills
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn

Physical environment: Production facility, occasionally outside, or in-store; possible extreme heat and cold dependent on season. Continuously requires ability to follow verbal and written direction. Frequently requires walking, lifting (up to 50lbs), carrying, reaching, kneeling, pushing and pulling (up to 200lbs), bending, and crouching. Frequently requires sitting, standing, fine dexterity, climbing, and handling. May require ability to operate machinery, drive vehicles, or use equipment such as hand tools, computers, or general business equipment.