Assistant Grower
Native Green Grow (NG2) is a Tribally owned Hydroponic Greenhouse located in Parshall, North Dakota. This facility is an ecologically sensitive project that grows vegetables utilizing
state of the art hydroponic methods.
Supervision
This position will be supervised by the Head Grower of the facility. This position is not a
supervisory position.
Position Description
The assistant grower is responsible for plant production and maintenance of their assigned
greenhouse zone(s) and reports to the head grower or crop consultant. This position requires an understanding of crop production cycles and industry-standard techniques. The assistant
grower must have horticultural knowledge of the crops in production, experience with crop
fertilization scheduling, and experience optimizing a greenhouse environmental control system.
The assistant grower must be an efficient communicator and is responsible for working
and directing the greenhouse workers in their zone(s).
Responsibilities
- The assistant grower is responsible for the crop being grown in their assigned zone(s)
- Hands on working with the crop in their zone(s) with the assistance of the floating
greenhouse workers. - Working with the head grower to select crops and varieties to be grown, and plant
position assignments. - Work with the other assistant growers in a collegial manner and provide assistance as
needed with their crops - Working with the head grower to determine the crop cycles, including the seed dates,
projected first harvest dates, and crop removal dates. - Working with the head grower and general manager to schedule the greenhouse
employees, and managing the horticultural labor demands of the crop being grown. - Overseeing the execution of seeding, seedling management, then transplanting.
- Preparing the greenhouse space for transplants, including adding growbags, irrigation,
and fertilizer preparation. - Managing the irrigation system, including scheduling of fertilization.
- Execution of the IPM (Integrated Pest Management) plan.
- Performing crop walks to spot pest and disease issues. Understand the most common
pest and disease cycles for each crop to anticipate problems and aid with early
treatment. - Daily review of the development and growing of the plants in the greenhouses and
identify plant needs and indications of disease. - Daily review and adjustments of the strategies for climate (Ventilation, Temperature,
CO2, HR, VPD and Curtains) and irrigation management according to the specific crops
needs using the automated systems available at the facility. - Weekly review of water analysis results for Feed, Drain and Slab, to establish adequate
level of elements in the fertilizer mix. - Daily review of pH, EC and drainage percentage to make effective adjustments in
fertilization according to the crops needs. - Review the Pests and Diseases Monitoring data and establish the strategies for Pests
and Diseases Management. - Calculate the proper doses and spray volumes for pesticides applications.
- Monitor the effectiveness of the strategies used for the pests and diseases
management. - Operate and maintain all the operational equipment used in a greenhouse environment
including irrigation, fertilization, weed and pest monitoring and control, etc. - Conduct a weekly Crop Registration to generate growing trends and accurate production
projections. - Determine the appropriate time for each Crop Maintenance activity, and ensure that the
jobs are correctly done properly and timely. - Requisition in a timely manner all the supplies needed for the greenhouse operation
such as Seeds, Plants, Slabs, Fertilizer, Pesticides, Bio-controls, and any other supply
used in the Growing Process. - Record, analyze and present the data resulting for trials or research taking place in the
Greenhouses. - Respond and resolve Systems Alarms on a timely manner.
- Be an active professional seeking for information and advice that could lead to improve
processes, increase yields and obtain better product quality year after year, keeping a
cost effectiveness approach.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Must have a strong understanding of plant growth and interaction with varying
environmental conditions and requirements. - Must be familiar with horticultural nomenclature.
- Ability to communicate effectively (written, oral and spoken) in English; additional
languages (i.e. Spanish, will be considered an asset). - Must work closely with the head grower in order to keep them apprised of any problems
or issues needing their attention. - Familiarity with Priva computer software or other greenhouse control systems.
- Basic computer skills and entry of greenhouse production data.
- Must be committed to be an active member of the work team and expect to work across
the facility. - Maintain high standards of conduct and professionalism and lead team to success
- Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and work on a crop lift.
- Must be willing and able to work in the greenhouse on the crops throughout the year,
this is not an office position.
Qualifications/ Experience/Education:
- Experience (at least one of the following):
- Minimum 2 years of experience as an assistant grower in a greenhouse
environment preferably with a food crop. - A two year greenhouse technology college program
- A 4 year horticulture degree with greenhouse coursework
- Minimum of 4 years experience in a hydroponic greenhouse with hands on crop
experience showing progressive levels of responsibility. - Ability to attain and maintain a current North Dakota Pesticide Applicators License.
- Minimum 2 years of experience as an assistant grower in a greenhouse
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift, full-time.
- Floating weekend coverage with the other assistant growers
*Insert pay package offering with benefits.