What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Grower position at Lambs Farm?
Join Our Mission at Lambs Farm
At Lambs Farm, we are passionately committed to enriching the lives of adults with developmental disabilities by providing them with meaningful work opportunities in a vibrant and intentional community. Our diverse facilities, including a farmyard, pet adoption center, restaurant, bakery, country store, and thrift store, delight the public while equipping our participants with crucial employment skills in a supportive environment.
Lambs Farm is a nurturing community where participants are empowered to choose their paths, from work to leisure activities, fostering self-reliance and personal growth. It is also a place where families can teach their children about inclusivity and understanding people with disabilities.
Do you have a zest for community service, love engaging with dynamic settings, and seek to make a meaningful daily impact? Lambs Farm might just be your dream workplace. Here, we embody hard work, excellent care, and a commitment to cultivating the human spirit.
Summary
We're seeking a skilled and passionate Lead Grower to join our horticultural team at Lambs Farm. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for the day-to-day cultivation and care of plants in our greenhouse facilities while working directly with our participants. You will implement growing plans, maintain plant health, and create a nurturing environment where adults with developmental disabilities can learn valuable horticultural skills. Reporting to the Greenhouse Manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of our plant production and participant training programs.
The Role
- Execute daily growing operations, including watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management.
- Implement seasonal production schedules and cultivation plans for various plant varieties.
- Monitor plant health, growth progress, and environmental conditions in the greenhouse.
- Maintain detailed growing records, inventory, and production documentation.
- Propagate plants through seeds, cuttings, divisions, and other horticultural techniques.
- Train and guide participants in proper plant care techniques and greenhouse protocols.
- Operate and maintain greenhouse equipment, including irrigation systems and climate controls.
- Harvest and prepare plants for sale or use in other Lambs Farm programs.
- Troubleshoot growing issues and collaborate with the Greenhouse Manager on solutions.
- Ensure greenhouse areas remain clean, organized, and safe for all participants and visitors.
- Assist with educational demonstrations and support community events in the greenhouse.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum 2-3 years of hands-on experience in greenhouse production, plant cultivation, or commercial growing operations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of plant propagation, pest management, and greenhouse growing techniques.
- Experience training or supervising others in a horticultural setting.
- Understanding of irrigation systems, growing media, fertilizers, and plant health management.
- Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.
- One or more professional certifications such as Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH), Master Gardener Certification, or Certified Greenhouse Grower are preferred but not required.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills and patience when working with individuals of varying abilities.
- Ability to adapt horticultural tasks to accommodate different learning styles and physical abilities.
- Ability to work in various weather conditions, both inside greenhouse environments and in outdoor settings throughout different seasons.
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred but not required.
- Physically capable of performing tasks that require bending, lifting, and walking, with the ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds to manage mobility aids and assist participants.
- Proficiency in writing, speaking, and understanding English.
- Proficiency in basic computer skills, including accurate typing, navigating websites, entering and recalling data, using word processors and spreadsheet software, managing emails, and familiarity with digital communication etiquette and techniques.
