What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Grower position at Star Roses and Plants?
Full-time
Description
Status: Full-time, non-exempt (hourly)
Department/Division: Production
Reports to: General Manager
Location: Star® Roses and Plants Greenhouse, Cochranville, PA
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–3:30 pm 1 weekend day a month
The opportunity.
The Pennsylvania greenhouse location of Star® Roses and Plants produces young plants to support the inventory growth of the company’s genetics. We’re looking for a knowledgeable individual to join our team!
As the Lead Grower, you will work closely with various greenhouse managers to ensure healthy, high-quality plant production. You will set and enforce Best Management Practices, monitor growing conditions, and optimize plant health and efficiency. We’re looking for an individual who is comfortable supervising and guiding a team and ensuring compliance with industry standards and company protocols.
Responsibilities you can expect.
- Manage all aspects of growing operations: review and improve policies and procedures; supervise grower techs and ensure adherence to and compliance with all procedures, including SANC; guide and advise personnel through complex phases of work; make personnel recommendations regarding employment, assignments, and salary adjustments.
- Develop and supervise irrigation schedule, fertilization program, and chemical application in growing areas. Participate in applications and ensure proper techniques are used.
- Ensure plant health by scheduling and performing crop trims, maintaining beneficial insect program, and communicating growing area conditions to Research department.
- Serve as internal expert on Argus environmental control system, ensuring proper operation by trained employees and communicating with Argus techs to resolve system issues.
- Assume additional responsibilities as needed.
Requirements
Work environment.
Much of your day will be spent working in our greenhouse. This means you’ll be standing and walking for long periods of time and may be exposed to temperature extremes, humidity, various weather conditions, and toxic material. You should have the ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
You’ll need the manual dexterity to use tools and equipment and should be comfortable with a full range of physical movement. Specific vision abilities required for this position include close, distance, and color vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus and use depth perception. Color vision is important for plant evaluations.
Travel requirements.
Travel requirements are minimal (0–10%) to attend national, international, regional, and local trade shows, trial sites, industry events, and meetings with breeders, customers, licensees, brokers, and growers.
You have this.
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a grower and knowledgeable about plant diseases, pests, and plant health. Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field preferred.
- Experience operating greenhouse farm equipment, including tractors, forklifts, soil machinery, etc.
- Valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets the requirements of our insurance company.
- Ability to maintain Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification and adhere to SANC requirements.
- Ability to participate in weekend irrigation rotation, typically one Saturday or Sunday per month.
- Strong verbal and written communication. Ability to communicate bilingually is a plus.
- Excellent time management with ability to self-start, work independently, and collaborate within a team structure. Previous supervisory experience is preferred.
- Knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook as well as SAP system is preferred.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We have this.
- Medical, dental, and vision offered to employees and their families
- HSA FSA
- Paid time off paid holidays
- STD, LTD, and Life Insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan company match profit sharing
- Employee growth and development
- Tuition reimbursement