LEAD GROWER for HYDROPONIC GREENHOUSE | MOROVIS, PUERTO RICO Full Time

 

LEAD GROWER for HYDROPONIC GREENHOUSE | MOROVIS, PUERTO RICO

COMPANY OVERVIEW: Florece Hidroponia is a start-up grower of vine crops including tomatoes and peppers, and will soon be adding leafy greens such as basil and kale. Florece’s 175,000 sf high tech, hydroponic greenhouse was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria, reconstruction is expected to start by the end of 2018. Reconstruction will include the addition of a 5,900 sf headhouse for storage, processing and distribution. We anticipate restarting production in Q3 2019. See www.florecepr.com or visit us on Facebook.

 

SEEKING: We wish to identify an experienced lead grower at this time as decisions are being made regarding headhouse floorplans, greenhouse layout and production, operating procedures etc. We envision a consulting engagement prior to restarting production, with a full-time position being offered at that time.

SUMMARY:  Responsible for the entire greenhouse growing operations including irrigation, fertilizer and chemical mixing and application, insect and disease management, and crop timing.

 

REPORTS TO:  Operations Manager

Annual Salary range: TBD depending on experience.

 

SUPERVISION OVER:  Grower Leads and Grower Assistants

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Management Responsibilities

Manage all growing personnel

Manage all plant needs of crops including irrigation, fertilizer, chemical, insect and disease management, and crop timing and communicate issues with Operations Manager

Manage plant movement and placement

Manage and set all greenhouse control systems and ensure greenhouse structure is sound

 

Supporting Actions

Determine chemical needs, create spray sheets, help with applications, reporting and inventory

Report labor needs to Grower Manager and Facility Manager and advise crews to complete tasks effectively

Ability to train Grower Leads, Grower Assistants, and Irrigators

Work with Head Growers at other facilities to coordinate employees, crop movement and growth

 

SKILLS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

Strong desire to grow plants and work in greenhouse environment

Ability to manage large groups of people

Effective communication skills

Knowledge of greenhouse and greenhouse equipment

Detail oriented

Team player

Inspects greenhouses and can identify moisture requirements, status of the plants and possible problems/issues.

Ability to train others

Fluent in English and Spanish helpful

 

 

 

 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

At least 3 years experience working in a commercial greenhouse required

Degree in Horticulture or related field preferred

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Able to work 7 days a week and evening shifts.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.