Head Grower- Mills River, NC

Job Title: Head Grower – Mills River, NC

Department: Production Job Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Exempt Reports to: General Manager

Job Type: Regular Amount of Travel Required: None

Positions Supervised: 4-5

Work Schedule: Monday through Saturday, rotating Sunday

Position Summary:

Nourse Farms is a leading player in the plant propagation industry, known for our commitment to excellence in providing high-quality plant stock. Nourse Farms is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head Grower to lead our facility in Mills River, NC greenhouse operations. The Head Grower will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant production, crop management, and maintaining the highest standards of plant health and quality. This role is crucial in ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the department and across the organization.

Primary Duties:

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Responsibilities:

· Manage Greenhouse Operations: Oversee day-to-day activities in the greenhouse, including planting, irrigation, nutrient management, pest control, and disease prevention.

· Staffing. Ensure the facility is adequately staffed across all departments by forecasting labor needs, scheduling efficiently, and coordinating with HR to maintain optimal workforce levels.

· Standard Operating Procedures and High Standards: Develop and implement detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and daily checklists for each department to ensure all tasks are completed effectively, while fostering seamless communication and collaboration between teams.

· Safety. In Collaboration with Head of Director of Growing Operations, implement a spray application program, ensuring safety protocols and industry standards are met, with oversight of agricultural chemical use.

· Team Leadership: Provide guidance, training, and motivation to greenhouse staff, fostering a positive and efficient work environment.

· Crop Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive crop plans, considering factors such as planting schedules, variety selection, and space utilization.

· Irrigation and Nutrition Management: Monitor and optimize irrigation systems, ensuring proper water and nutrient delivery to plants at each growth stage.

· Pest and Disease Control: Implement integrated pest management strategies to prevent and control pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical interventions.

· Quality Control: Maintain high-quality standards throughout the propagation process, ensuring consistent plant health and exceptional fruit production.

· Priva Software Utilization: Proficiently utilize Priva climate and labor management software to m monitor and control greenhouse climate conditions, labor activities and data analysis, contributing to the optimization of plant growth and operational efficiency.

· Data Analysis: Collect and analyze data related to plant growth, yield, and environmental conditions, and Priva software metrics, using this information to fine-tune cultivation techniques. Establish a regular cadence and send reports to the Head of Growing Operations.

· Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations, promoting a safe working environment for all staff.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field is preferred.

· Experience: 7 years of experience in greenhouse management, with a focus on strawberry propagation. Previous leadership experience is highly desirable.

· Must have a North Carolina pesticide license.

· Knowledge: In-depth understanding of greenhouse operations preferably worked and have good knowledge with Priva climate, irrigation and labor tracking system, plant nutrition, irrigation systems, pest and disease management, and crop planning. Familiarity with sustainable growing practices is a plus.

· Analytical Skills: Ability to collect and interpret data, make data-driven decisions, and optimize cultivation techniques accordingly.

· Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership and team management skills, with 5 years’ experience, and the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

· Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges related to plant health, productivity, and greenhouse operations.

· Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and other stakeholders.

· Physical Stamina: Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including lifting heavy objects (50 lbs. or more), standing for extended periods, and working in varying temperatures.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 4% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Rotating weekends
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a valid pesticides applicator's license?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $85,000