What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Grower - Hydroponic Specialist position at Zeste Farms, Inc?
Job Summary:
The Assistant Grower will support the lead grower in growing and shipping cut and living basil. This will involve managing and optimizing the efficient processes to grow herbs in our hydroponic vertical farming system. Zeste Farms in Paso Robles is a 5000sf. facility and represents a prototype, small footprint grow facility with commercial customers.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Grow and Ship Crops to Meet Customer Demand: Support the Lead Grower in maintaining consistently high yields of premium-quality leafy greens and herbs. Ensure timely and accurate shipment of crops to meet customer demands.
2. Master and Continuously Improve Growing Processes at Efficient Cycle Times: (Training provided)
· Seeding
· Planting
· Harvesting and Packaging
· Kitting Customer Orders: Prepare cases and pallets with accurate labeling and stacking configurations. Move and load products into cargo vehicles.
· Cleaning: Execute cleanliness protocols to maintain a “certified food safety” environment.
· Update Manuals: Update process and food safety manual as improvements are made.
3. Training New Employees on Growing Processes: Effectively train new employees to ensure yield goals and cycle times are met. Provide ongoing support and mentorship to foster a collaborative team environment.
4. Food Safety: Execute food safety practices as directed by the Lead Grower, following the company's Food Safety Manual and daily checklists.
5. Technology Understanding: Learn and operate the proprietary Anaconda Farming System. Once trained, train new employees. Analyze trends and alarms to maintain growing conditions.
6. Quality Control: Measure and document the quality of germination and salable living plants, including yield in ounces per plant. Use yield data to demonstrate continuous improvement.
7. Cost Control: Demonstrate continuous improvement in task times and efficiency.
8. Preventative Maintenance: Support the Lead Grower in performing preventative maintenance on all equipment and systems as required. Ensure all tools and machinery are kept in optimal working condition.
Qualifications:
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effectively conveying information and collaborating with team members.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address challenges and improve processes.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in monitoring plant health, identifying issues, and ensuring quality standards.
- Customer Focus: Ability to understand and meet the needs of customers.
- Sustainability Practices: Knowledge of sustainable farming practices and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Preferred:
- BA or BS degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Science or related field or equivalent experience.
- Experience in controlled environment agriculture
- Microsoft Office Applications, Microsoft Teams, and cloud file management
NOTE: This is farming. Candidate must possess a “whatever it takes” attitude and perform various tasks not listed here to meet company objectives.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Day shift
Experience:
- Agriculture: 1 year (Required)
- Microsoft Excel and Word: 1 year (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Paso Robles, CA 93446 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20