Assistant Production Manager/Head 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Greenhouse Manager and Head Grower will be responsible for:

• Directing and Monitoring All Phases of Plant Propagation and Growth by Performing Daily Inspections and Crop Checks.
• Maintain Logs and Documentation Related to Crop Production Cycles, Forecast Harvest Yields, and Track Productivity Metric of Various Crop Types and Cultivation Strategies.
• Identify and Address any Plant Diseases or Incidences of Pests that Might Impact Facility Production; Develop and Manage IPM Programs.
• Manage, Monitor, and Track Environmental Control Systems to Ensure Proper Climates in Growing Environments, Ensuring that Problems are Concerns are Dealt with Promptly.
• Manage Facility Budgets, Including Purchasing Supplies and Equipment.
• Develop and Implement Strategies to Improve the Efficiency and Productivity of the Growing Facilities.
• Coordinate, Train, and Direct Members of the Growing Team in a Professional and Courteous Manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Degree in Horticulture, Crop Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or a Related Field.
• At Least 5 Years of Experience in Management of Hydroponic Crop Production;
• Preferably DWC or NFT Production.
• Physically Fit to Stand, Lift, and Carry 50 lbs, Frequently During a Day, and to do
• Repetitive Work in a hot, humid environment, both indoors and outdoors.
• Strong Leadership and Management Skills, and Communication/Interpersonal Skills.
• Ability to Recognize and Correct Safety Hazards and Appropriately Respond to
• Emergencies.
• Ability to Work Independently and on a Team.
• Strong Analytical and Problem Solving Skills; Particularly Related to Physical and
• Mechanical Systems.
• Knowledge of Relevant Regulations and Permits Related to Food Safety, Crop
• Production, and Agro-Chemical Use.
• Familiar with Computer Software for Data Management and Analysis.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Legally Eligible to Work in the U.S.

Additionally:

• Knowledge of Plumbing and Electrical Systems and Their Operation, Installation, and Maintenance Would be an Asset.
• Current Holder or Ability to Obtain a Private Pesticide Applicator License.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Physical Labor, not limited to Lifting, Carrying, and Transporting Production Rafts and
• Produce Crates.
• Use of Power Equipment, Tools, Machinery, and Construction Materials.
• Handling and Exposure to Typical Hydroponic Fertilizers and Agro-Chemicals for Crop
• Production and Pest Management.
• Participation in After-Hours, On-Call, Overnight, and Alarm-Rotation During Weekdays and Weekend.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Manufacturing: 1 year (Preferred)
• Management: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Erie, PA 16510 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

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

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000