Intern - Greenhouse

CSS Farms is a multi-state agricultural business with a mission of Growing Great Together.  We achieve this by leading the way in stewardship and solutions for every field, every load, every day.  

At CSS Farms we take great pride in doing the job right and believe our best work is achieved when we work together.  Farming is our way of life, we have a deep passion for the land, our families, and our communities.  We have a legacy rooted in solving hard problems and tackling new business ventures.

Summary

The Greenhouse Intern works closely with the Colorado City Team to support and learn hands-on skills related to greenhouse operations.  As the Greenhouse Intern, you will gain exposure to all facets of our greenhouse mini-tuber operation through nutrient management of our irrigation zones in a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) production system, learning greenhouse control systems, learning tissue culture propagation of plantlets, understanding the mini-tuber storage process, research projects, and other educational opportunities.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Support the Greenhouse Team with managing nutrients and hydroponic systems for potato mini-tuber production.
• Support the Tissue Culture Lab Manager with maintenance of the clone bank, containing 300 varieties.
• Proper use of aseptic technique, assisting the lab team with the propagation and production of high-quality plantlets for greenhouse needs.
• Pest scouting, tissue sampling, crop, and irrigation management.
• Participate in data collection of R&D trials, and evaluation of greenhouse research.
• Gain experience in pesticide programs and planning.
• Assist in the production planning process.
• Learn and use IVS software system for variety and production management.
• Observe greenhouse operations as it relates to tissue culture production of potato plantlets, planting, harvesting of mini-tubers, etc.
• Deliver and present to management a summary of observations from greenhouse production and R&D efforts.
• Take on other tasks and responsibilities, as needed.

Physical Demands

• Walking and working throughout greenhouse conditions.
• Regularly lifting objects of up to 40-50 lbs.
• Stand, walk, crouch, bend at the waist constantly
• Frequently sitting at a lab workspace for long periods of time
• Delicate work with hand tools.
• Reach overhead with both arms occasionally
• Push carts loaded with nutrients or potatoes up to 100 lbs.
• Strength to turn valves, move hoses, and other related activities
• Fingering, gripping and manipulating fine objects constantly for computer work, inspecting mini-tubers and working with plantlets.
• Sharp eye site constantly to examine plants, mini-tuber diseases and quality issues, using naked eye and laboratory microscope to examine insect pests 

Expected Hours of Work

• Start and End Dates are Flexible based on Candidate’s schedule
• Typical, daily hours are 7 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional hours outside this window during peak times.

Required Qualifications

• Are pursuing an Associates or Bachelor degree in horticulture, crop science or related field.

Desired Qualifications

• Are generally tech savvy and can use basic software systems such Excel, Word.
• Possess excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Are an excellent communicator; asking for and valuing positive and constructive feedback in an effort to grow within your role and career.

Work Authorization

• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Benefits

• Receive a competitive pay package.
• Get reimbursement for eligible travel expenses.
• Housing in Colorado City, CO provided
• Participate in real-world applications of Hydroponic Greenhouse Production from a leading, US potato company.
• Make valuable contacts within the industry who can assist you with your career development, now and in the future.
• Gain an understanding of our NFT greenhouse operation including potato mini-tuber production, employee management, and greenhouse control systems by spending time with site General Manager, as well as the Greenhouse Grower, Operations, and Lab Managers.

AAP/EEO Statement

CSS Farms is an EOE.

CSS Farms expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.