The Plant Company (TPC) is a newly established business expanding into its Phase 2 production facility, bringing us to 10 acres! Phase 2 encompasses a greenhouse facility along with a production barn. This is a state-of-the-art, controlled-environment greenhouse for the sustainable production of tropical indoor foliage plants of consistent and exceptional quality.
The ideal candidate will want to help us continue our growth with a sense of pride in how you contribute to our success daily and as a key part of the successful Proven Winners leafjoy® brand that is flourishing nationwide! Join an inclusive start-up culture where we run on EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), believe in tackling issues with your valuable perspective on our team, and have many opportunities for career growth!
We believe that “together we grow stronger”, which applies to employees, vendors and of course customers.
The four core values that identify this company are:
1. Caring About People, Plants, and Process
2. Growth Oriented
3. Customer First
4. "Can Do" Attitude
The Section Grower is responsible for daily implementation and decision making around crop needs (e.g., climate, irrigation, fertility, EC and pH management, pest management). This role plans, organizes, directs, and coordinate activities of co-workers directly engaged in cultivating plants. Responsible for finishing crops on time, in the correct quantities, and according to internal growth specifications.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Grower Knowledge:
- Identify plant varieties, diseases, weeds, and pests.
- Assess and manage plant growing conditions.
- Implement and maintain the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
- Apply biologicals, pesticides, and fertilizers.
- Manage and program plant irrigation systems.
- Regularly inspect work areas, crops, and growing conditions.
- Assign and supervise greenhouse staff work schedules and duties.
- Maintain optimal fertilizer inventory levels.
- Plan and execute chemical and PGR applications in coordination with the Lead Grower and Greenhouse Grower Manager.
Horticultural Knowledge:
- Assist with all horticultural processes (propagation, fertilization, irrigation, weeding, equipment operation, order pulling, etc.) in assigned areas, as directed.
- Accurately record and report input data (water, fertilizer, PGR) for all crop stages.
- Conduct timely samplings (daily EC/pH, weekly soil analysis, media/foliar sampling as required).
- Manage other assigned areas as needed.
- Ensure the maintenance and proper function of irrigation components (solenoids, valves, Dos-a-trons, hoses).
- Collaborate effectively with all stakeholders to foster teamwork.
- Lead and coordinate work among team members through clear communication.
- Support other departments and managers as needed.
Recordkeeping & Technical Knowledge:
- Monitor and adjust computer control systems based on established criteria and grower requests.
- Perform basic troubleshooting and repairs of technical issues in assigned areas.
- Maintain consistent irrigation system inspections for optimal moisture levels.
- Program overhead and flood irrigation systems.
- Manage daily assignments and priorities to ensure plant health and quality.
- Learn and apply knowledge of irrigation and nutritional needs for various crops.
- Accurately record and report scouting results, climate variances, chemical/beneficial applications, and other required data.
Safety, Housekeeping, & Compliance:
- Ensure adherence to all company and regulatory protocols, policies, and processes within assigned areas.
- Maintain high sanitation standards, including algae, weed, and empty container removal.
- Ensure WPS standards are followed in assigned areas.
- Verify that growing equipment is in proper working order.
- Regularly inspect and maintain the assigned area, ensuring all structures and equipment function correctly.
- Maintain housekeeping and sanitation standards in assigned areas.
- Conduct weekly checks of greenhouse lights during autumn and winter.
- Ensure timely completion of regular PGR applications.
- Adhere to all applicable HSE regulations and processes.
- Apply chemical pesticides and growth regulators as directed, following safety procedures.
- Daily assessment of plant health to identify and report any issues.
- Collaborate with the team to identify and implement process improvements.
- Maintain the cleanliness of greenhouse walkways and work areas daily.
Scheduling flexibility for overtime and weekend rotation is required to meet the needs of the job.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
· Virginia Pesticide Applicator License or
o Must obtain within six (6) months of employment.
· Self-starter with ability to problem solve and good decision-making skills.
· Ability to do repetitive tasks in a fast-paced environment.
· Attention to detail and high-quality standards.
· Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and work independently or with team towards a solution.
· Ability to determine causes of operating errors.
· Positive attitude and team player.
· Excellent communication skills.
· Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
· Spanish proficiency preferred but not required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
· High School diploma required.
o Associate degree in Greenhouse, Horticulture, Botany, or related field encouraged.
· Three (3) years of relevant job experience or a bachelor’s degree in the horticultural field
· Intermediate understanding of horticulture and agricultural practices.
· Familiarity with working in the greenhouse and understanding of plant propagation.
· Understanding of basic irrigation and fertility management.
· Working knowledge of WPS requirements and applications.
· Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, bend and reach to access materials, and walk short distances throughout the workday. TPC is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.
The Plant Company is an equal opportunity employer