Assistant Grower

Assistant Grower — Sunswell Greens

Location: Punta Gorda, Florida
Position: Full-time
Compensation: $45,760–$50,000 annually, plus benefits
Reports to: Grower

Position Summary

Sunswell Greens is seeking an Assistant Grower to support the production of high-quality hydroponic lettuce, leafy greens, and herbs. Working closely with the Grower and production teams, this position helps maintain crop health, consistent yields, and reliable production schedules.

This is a hands-on role with responsibilities in fertilizer mixing, water quality monitoring, crop scouting, seedling production, and coordination with the seeding and transplant teams. The position offers an opportunity to develop technical growing and leadership skills with a path toward greater responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Crop Health and Growing Conditions

• Walk the greenhouse daily to assess crop health, growth, uniformity, root condition, and readiness for harvest.
• Identify and promptly report pests, disease symptoms, nutrient deficiencies, and other crop concerns.
• Monitor and record nutrient solution EC, pH, temperature, and other water quality measurements as directed.
• Monitor environmental controls and communicate equipment alarms or conditions that could affect crop performance.
• Carry out approved growing adjustments and document crop response.

Fertilizer Mixing and Plant Nutrition

• Accurately measure and mix fertilizers, nutrient stock solutions, and approved water treatment products according to established recipes and safety procedures.
• Maintain fertilizer mixing, nutrient adjustment, and application records.
• Check dosing equipment for proper operation and report discrepancies.
• Collect water, nutrient solution, and plant tissue samples as directed.
• Support the Head Grower in reviewing test results and implementing approved nutrient adjustments.

Seeding, Seedling Production, and Transplanting

• Work with the seeding and transplant teams to execute daily production schedules accurately.
• Verify seed varieties, tray identification, seeding accuracy, and germination performance.
• Monitor and handle seedling irrigation, plug moisture, EC, pH, root development, and overall quality.
• Check transplant quality, spacing, placement, and handling to support uniform crop development.
• Track germination and transplant losses and communicate shortages or scheduling concerns.
• Help train employees on seeding, seedling grading, transplant selection, and proper plant handling.

Crop Scouting and Integrated Pest Management

• Perform routine scouting and maintain clear pest and disease records.
• Place and inspect monitoring traps and distribute beneficial organisms as directed.
• Assist with approved crop protection applications when trained and authorized.
• Follow application instructions, required protective measures, and applicable procedures.
• Monitor treatment results and report continuing or emerging problems.

Equipment, Sanitation, and Inventory

• Calibrate and maintain EC and pH meters.
• Inspect seeders, pumps, irrigation equipment, filters, nozzles, and dosing systems.
• Perform routine cleaning and basic maintenance within training and authorization; report repair needs promptly.
• Maintain clean, organized growing areas and support nursery and greenhouse sanitation.
• Track fertilizer, crop protection, and growing supply inventory and communicate purchasing needs.
• Follow food safety, chemical handling, and workplace safety procedures.

Records, Trials, and Team Coordination

• Maintain accurate growing records, crop schedules, scouting reports, and trial data.
• Assist with variety and production trials, including measurements of crop time, yield, quality, and losses.
• Communicate crop concerns and daily priorities to the Head Grower and production supervisors.
• Provide coverage for essential growing tasks during scheduled weekends or absences.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bilingual (English / Spanish)
• Degree or technical training in horticulture, agriculture, plant science, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Greenhouse or commercial crop production experience preferred; hydroponic experience is a plus.
• Basic understanding of plant nutrition, irrigation, EC, pH, and pest and disease identification.
• Ability to follow fertilizer recipes, perform basic calculations, and maintain accurate records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and digital recordkeeping; willingness to learn environmental control software.
• Strong observation, organization, communication, and practical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently within established procedures and collaborate with production teams.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including scheduled weekend coverage and occasional additional hours.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work primarily in a greenhouse with warm, humid conditions and exposure to water, growing materials, chemicals (fertilizers, cleaning agents), agricultural equipment.
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive plant care tasks.
• Lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or equipment when appropriate.
• Use required personal protective equipment and follow written and verbal safety instructions.
• Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Schedule: 8 hr. shift or until job is done. Weekend availability.

Job Type: Full Time

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401k with Company Match
• Paid short term and long-term disability insurance.
• Company paid life insurance.
• Paid Time Off and Sick Time
• Paid Holidays

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Sunswell Greens is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, pregnancy or pregnancy related condition, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) 3% Match
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you bilingual English/Spanish.
• Do you have experience working with fertilizers and mixing nutrients.

Work Location: In person