Assistant Grower

Grow Erie, a not-for-profit, community development, commercial hydroponic facility is looking for a competent and proficient Greenhouse Manager and Lead Grower with extensive experience in managing commercial hydroponic operations. The selected candidate will be responsible for supervising an indoor microgreen facility, and a 10,000 square foot greenhouse, containing Deep Water Culture (DWC) systems for the production of various herbs and leafy greens. This facility is located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plant sciences, crop production, and food safety, able to manage other members of the growing team, set crop production schedules, and ensure the consistent production of healthy crops. Lead Grower must be knowledgeable in hydroponic crop management, identifying and addressing crop diseases and greenhouse pests, and must maintain the facility in accordance with required food safety and safe handling practices.

Responsibilities:

• Cultivation: Manage all aspects of microgreens cultivation, including planting, watering, harvesting, and pest management.

• Packing: packing harvested produce into designated containers by either weight or volume as required by the orders.

• Inventory Tracking: Keep accurate records of seeds, growing mediums, and other supplies. Record stock levels.

• Record Keeping: Document growth cycles, yields, and any issues encountered during the cultivation process. Maintain detailed logs of all activities.

• Quality Control: Ensure all plants meet quality standards before they are packaged and shipped.

• Scheduling: Adhere to and manage the growing schedule to ensure consistent and timely production.

• Communication: Coordinate with team members and management to ensure smooth operations. Communicate any issues or suggestions for improvement effectively.

• Maintenance: Maintain cleanliness and order in the growing area. Ensure all equipment is in good working order.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of two years of experience in plant cultivation, preferably in a farm or other agroecosystem setting.

• Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise instructions.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to adhere to schedules and manage time effectively.

• Experience with inventory management and record keeping.

• Physical Ability: Capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy objects up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience specifically with growing microgreens or similar crops.

• Knowledge of organic farming practices.

• Familiarity with indoor farming techniques and hydroponic systems.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.50 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Erie, PA 16510 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Erie, PA 16510: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18