Hydroponics Operations Manager (2+ years commercial experience required) Full Time

Organization: Teens for Food Justice
Position Title: Operations Manager
Date Opened: November 6th, 2018
Job Location: New York City, USA
Why position is open: Expanding facilities
Need to fill the position by: January 4th, 2018
Background requirements: At least 3 references from past employers.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Years of Experience: Minimum 2+ years of commercial greenhouse and/or vertical farming operations experience.

Desired experience and skills:

• Experience in a commercial hydroponic, indoor farming operation (5,000 sf+)
• Experience with developing and managing a Food Safety Program
• Studies or degree in horticulture, agriculture or related field. Can be supplemented with experience.
• Understanding of instrumentation, data collection, basic process automation, and control systems
• Confidence in troubleshooting hydroponic systems
• Experience in maintaining food safety, risk management, and hazard action plan protocols and standards

Specific Knowledge:

Knowledge of plant cultivation methods, propagation methods and disease identification and control are desired.  Experience specifically with leafy greens, specialty crops and microgreens in a controlled environment is a plus.

Character Traits:

Self-starting problem solver, hard-working, detail oriented, and exceptionally organized with a passion for agriculture, healthy lifestyles, and technology. We are looking for a candidate who is a good communicator and has the ability to creatively get the job done with minimal oversight. You must be comfortable working with youth and interested in promoting knowledge of alternative urban Ag to students.

Industry Contacts:

All retail, wholesale, and foodservice customer contacts welcome. Relationships with hydroponic equipment suppliers, packaging suppliers, and/or distributors is a bonus.

Technical Skills:

Knowledge of growing, harvest, and post-harvest techniques for vegetable & fruit crops. Able to guide multiple farm managers in the production of leafy greens and vine crops grown in hydroponic indoor systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Hydroponics Farm Managers in all areas.
• Helping the Hydroponics Farm Managers improve and implement farm Standard Operating Procedures
• Collecting basic data on crops and farm systems
• Plant propagation, cultivation and harvest
• Cleaning and maintenance

Required Skills and Experience:

• 2+ years of growing experience, preferably in a greenhouse or CEA environment
• Able to perform basic manual labor including occasional lifting of up to 50lbs
• You must be comfortable working with youth and interested in promoting knowledge of alternative urban Ag to students.
• A team player and desirous of working in a highly collaborative environment
• Good communication skills

Ideal Skills and Experience:

• 2+ years in CEA
• Studies in horticulture, agriculture, molecular biology, plant science (or related)
• Experience with inventory management systems, procurement, and logistics
• Understanding of instrumentation and data collection
• Knowledge of basic process automation and control systems
• Confidence in troubleshooting and problem solving complex systems

What does a person taking this position need to do in the first 3-6 months in order to be considered successful?

• Develop a growing protocol for all (3) locations
• Farm efficiency tracking method in place and being measured an analyzed
• Number of pest outbreaks and farm issues per month is measurably reduced
• Able to manage all aspects of the operation in the absence of a Farm Manager
• Recommendations for additional tools for farmers and managers to use have been communicated and some implemented.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range:  Will be discussed on 2nd interview.
Sick Leave: 5 days paid
Vacation: 2 weeks paid
Will you offer relocation assistance?  Negotiable
Additional Benefits: Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of food insecure youth and their families throughout New York City. Join a motivated and mission-driven team and organization.