What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grower Technician & Material Handler position at Walters Gardens?
Description :
PRIMARY PURPOSE AND FUNCTION : The Grower Technician assists the Section Grower and Lead Grower in ensuring all plants produced in the greenhouses at Walters Gardens are grown to the highest quality standard and in a safe, efficient, and economical way.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
Moisture Management
Monitor crops daily to determine when to irrigate plants based on growing environment, plant needs, and moisture levels
Learn different varieties, sizes, season cycles, and water patterns to achieve a proper and even moisture level throughout crops
Operate, maintain, and schedule all irrigation systems
Communicate with Section Grower and Lead Grower for specific water, environmental, and special application needs daily and before weekends / holidays
Participate in Friday, weekend, and holiday watering schedules
Fertility Management
Read, assess and coordinate weekly media testing and water sampling
Schedule and apply fertilizer and / or other nutrients weekly based on media testing results
Learn and understand the different fertilizer blends and rates
Upkeep Injector room by monitoring equipment, adjusting injector rates, and mixing tanks when necessary.
Choose between fertilizer blends and rates for optimal plant nutrition based on media testing and water sampling results
Keep crops on schedule
Sanitation
Scout weekly for algae, liverwort, and weeds in and around the greenhouses
Apply sanitation techniques to control algae and liverwort growth
Remove and destroy all weeds and liverwort as they are observed
Keep greenhouse aisles and floor matting free of debris
Make herbicide applications around the greenhouses as needed
Applying slug bait and mouse bait to greenhouse ranges
Utilize ride on sweeper to keep aisles and production areas clean
Disposal of chemical rinsate on field grounds
Material Handling
Unloading deliveries and putting supplies in proper locations
Help keep production areas organized by moving skids, removing waste, and moving dumpsters
Assist with unloading cuttings and tissue culture and moving to proper holding facilities
Additional Duties
Participate in chemical applications of plant growth regulators, fungicides, and insecticides
Monitor crops and coordinate mowing / pruning as needed
Assist with mowing and moving of plants as needed
Observe and communicate any pest and disease issues to the IPM Team, Section Grower, and Lead Grower immediately
Communicate any other problems or concerns to Section Grower and / or Lead Grower immediately
Assist in keeping inventory accurate with physical inventory checks and checking plug pulling documents.
Other duties as assigned
Requirements :
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS :
- 2 years of horticulture education or experience
- Basic organizational and math skills
- Computer skills (including Microsoft Office)
- Ability to be on your feet for 9 hours each day
- Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50lbs)
- Available to work on weekends as needed
- Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred
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