Assistant Grower

Position Overview:
The Assistant Grower supports the Greenhouse Manager and provides day-to-day leadership for a team of employees with intellectual disabilities in a hydroponic greenhouse focused on high-quality lettuce production in NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) channels and vine crops grown in Dutch buckets. This role combines hands-on crop production responsibilities in a controlled environment greenhouse with team leadership, training, and quality oversight in an inclusive workplace that values the contributions of every team member.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Greenhouse Manager with overall crop planning, production schedules, and greenhouse operations; serve as primary backup during the Manager’s absence.
• Lead and supervise a team of employees with intellectual disabilities in daily growing tasks, including seeding, transplanting, crop maintenance, harvesting, packing, delivering, and sanitation.
• Oversee and perform routine care of lettuce crops in NFT systems (channel cleaning, nutrient solution monitoring, plant spacing, pest/disease scouting, and harvest timing).
• Manage vine crop production in Dutch buckets (planting, trellising/pruning, irrigation checks, nutrient management, and harvesting).
• Monitor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light, CO₂, and irrigation/nutrient delivery systems) and make adjustments or report issues as needed.
• Train, coach, and support team members using clear, consistent instruction and positive reinforcement; adapt tasks and communication styles to individual strengths and support needs.
• Transport team members to and from the greenhouse in a company vehicle, ensuring safe and reliable transportation.
• Accurately input team members’ Individual Support Plan (ISP) data into the designated program/system for employment services billing and documentation.
• Maintain accurate production records, inventory, food safety records, and quality standards.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, workplace safety, and sanitation protocols.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and productive work environment that promotes skill development, independence, and teamwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support efficient greenhouse operations.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; relevant vocational or technical training preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and work effectively with people who have intellectual disabilities (experience in supported employment, special education, or inclusive workplaces is highly valued).
• Proficient in operating computer systems to maintain accurate record-keeping and data entry.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to give clear, patient, and consistent direction.
• Reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Physical ability to perform greenhouse work, including standing for extended periods, lifting up to 40–50 lbs, bending, and working in a warm, humid environment.
• Work schedule is generally 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, but the role may require flexible hours as needed for crop cycles and seasonal demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in agriculture, horticulture, greenhouse production, or hydroponic systems (NFT and/or Dutch bucket systems a strong plus).
• Familiarity with plant nutrition, pest and disease identification, and basic environmental controls.
• Experience with food safety practices (e.g., GAPs or similar standards).
• Supervisory or team-lead experience in a production or manufacturing setting.

Working Environment:
This role involves hands-on work in greenhouses, and small farm environments. The position requires flexibility, physical activity, and a willingness to adapt tasks to meet individual needs.

Physical abilities required include: climbing, balancing, repetitive motion, stooping, bending, standing, walking, running, lifting, grasping, hearing, visual acuity, speaking, writing, pushing, pulling, crouching, crawling, reading, kneeling, reaching, turning, noise tolerance, tolerance and subjection to extreme temperatures, infection. These employees may be subject to verbal, physical or emotional assault by persons served and may be required to wear protective clothing. As a requirement of continued employment, these employees must be able to attend and complete in-service training as dictated by state, federal and board regulation.

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person