Head Grower

Qualterra, Inc. is seeking a Head Grower to join our Mabton, WA team.

Overview

By 2050, there will be 10 billion people on the planet to feed with less farmland available than ever before. We need to develop solutions that maximize agricultural productivity while capturing carbon and regenerating soils. Qualterra is on the front lines for delivering such solutions.

As we approach our next level of company growth, we are looking for passionate teammates that bring experience and insights to help us drive the agricultural and sustainability transformations we seek.

If this is you, please consider applying today.

Position Title: Head Grower

Salary Range: $65,000 – $90,000

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Job Type: Full-time

Responsibilities:

The Head Grower is responsible for leading the propagation and cultivation of plants within a controlled environment to achieve production goals and maintain the highest quality standards. This role involves a wide range of horticultural activities, including irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease management, and substrate testing. The Head Grower works closely with team members to optimize plant growth, implement innovative practices, and ensure compliance with safety and operational protocols. These responsibilities would include knowledge of integrated pest management, irrigation management, climate control systems and the knowledge and ability to recognize plant health problems.

This position also includes the ability to measure and correctly mix and apply fertilizer as per established protocols. Additionally, the Head Grower plays a key role in technology integration, and fosters a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Oversee daily plant care in greenhouse environment to ensure efficient and effective workflows.

• Controls the production/growing of multiple seasonal crops through daily watering, fertilizing, pest management, and plant health monitoring.
• Develops and manage growing and care protocols for plant material.
• Maintains propagation ideals and growing schedules for all production crops to ensure adequate rooting and growth.
• Manages plant nutrition and protection, pest and disease control.
• Manages crop records such as pesticide applications, fertilizations and watering schedules, etc.
• Monitors and ensures adequate supply of fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, growth regulators and equipment.
• Manages soil testing, fertilizer analysis and tissue testing pertaining to plant health.
• Sets and monitors watering and fertilization schedules to maintain optimum growth.
• Communicates quality or scheduling problems to appropriate parties in a timely manner.
• Communicates with others on growing staff as to changes in procedures, crop requirements, assignments for propagators, etc.
• Monitors and adjusts daily environmental controls.
• Maintains compliance with Department of Agriculture and regulatory requirements, including record-keeping for materials, plant sourcing, fertilizers and chemical applications.
• Works with facilities and growing team to ensure greenhouses and systems (watering, heating, ventilation) are clean, organized, and functioning properly.
• Collaborates with teams to anticipate needs and maintain cross-department support.
• Develops and adheres to growing operating budget.
• Trains and supervises applicable growing staff.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum five (5) years in propagating and growing experience.
• Current commercial applicators license WSDA.
• Ability to effectively and collaboratively communicate using verbal and written communication skills.

· Valid driver’s license

· Ability to lift 50lbs

· The ability to navigate around obstacles and rail systems in a greenhouse environment.

Experience & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related highly field preferred.
• Effectively demonstrate leadership skills through setting a good role model for others, using interpersonal skills when dealing with difficult matters.
• Knowledge and experience with greenhouse production and irrigation and climate control systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with employee issues or in dealing with other supervisors and managers.
• Ability to analyze and make decisions on best methods while using good judgment and working with your team.
• Hands-on approach to managing in diverse weather conditions and physical tasks.
• Bilingual highly preferred.

· Work Location: Onsite in Mabton, WA.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

• Mabton, WA 98935 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Mabton, WA 98935: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $90,000