Section Grower 2

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Leads a team of up to 5 employees, providing training, development, supervision, and direction.
• Manages technical crops or locations, ensuring specialized cultural practices are followed.
• Uses and teaches the flagging system to communicate detailed water management practices, considering crop type, age, and location.
• Supports staff in creating prioritized daily task lists based on crop needs, workload, departmental priorities, and weather.
• Follows and assists in building and maintaining the Crop Library and crop rotations.
• Understands and teaches volume/square foot targets for fertilizer and chemical applications, emphasizing uniform application to ensure quality crops.
• Adjusts manual vents to achieve environmental targets as needed.
• Manages advanced greenhouse environments, including DIF, DIP, and humidity management.
• Measures EC, pH, and alkalinity of water and soil; troubleshoots discrepancies, provides recommendations, and reports results to management.
• Monitors EC trends and recommends corrective actions such as boosting, leaching, or pH adjustments.
• Programs and manages automated watering systems (basket lines, sprinklers).
• Manages fertilizer injector tanks, troubleshooting issues such as air in lines, and maintains portable injectors.
• Scouts and identifies pests and diseases, proactively addressing issues and training staff to do the same.
• Performs and leads pesticide, fungicide, and growth regulator applications while following all safety regulations.
• Maintains chemical application records, ensures label compliance, and provides Worker Protection Standard (WPS) training, including for Spanish-speaking employees.
• Maintains accurate inventory records for assigned equipment or resources.
• Promotes and enforces company policies and rules, ensuring a safe and compliant workplace.
• Works extended hours, including weekends and holidays, during peak production seasons.

COMPETENCIES:

• Articulating ideas, providing direction, and fostering open dialogue among team members and stakeholders.
• Building strong relationships, promoting teamwork, and leveraging diverse skills for collective success.
• Pursuing personal and professional growth, encouraging learning in others, and adapting to industry changes.
• Foster and promote a safety culture.
• Promotes teamwork, fosters a culture of safety, and demonstrates initiative in problem-solving.
• Provides strong internal customer service and maintains a positive, professional attitude.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three or more years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge of genera requiring specialized practices (lighting, shading, cold, irrigation, or feeding).
• Experience applying fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and other crop protectants.
• Valid pesticide applicator’s license (must be obtained within 90 days of hire and maintained).
• Knowledge of bedding plant identification and general plant care.
• Mechanical aptitude preferred.
• Exhibits technical expertise in crop production, irrigation, fertilization, and environmental management.
• Strong understanding of growth regulators, crop protectants, application windows, and impact on specific genera.
• Recognizes environmental issues (venting, heating, lighting, shading) and implements corrective actions.
• Proficient in monitoring and analyzing EC, pH, and alkalinity to maintain crop health.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn internal systems.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This role requires frequent walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Work may occur in varied indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to weather conditions. Extended hours, weekends, and holidays may be required during peak production.
• Must be available to work any assigned shift based on operational needs.

*The above is intended to describe the general content of qualifications for the job.*This is not an exhaustive statement of all the functions, duties, or qualifications.

BENEFITS:

• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance and Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) with employer contributions
• 401K retirement plan options with employer match
• Paid holidays
• Paid Time Off- Full-time employees accrue immediately!
• Annual Profit share
• Generous Employee Flower/Plant Discount Program
• Development opportunities
• Paid Time off for volunteering and community service
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness program
• Fun employee events throughout the year

PAY RANGE: $22.50 - $25.50/hr.

Pay rate is determined by various components including, but not limited to, experience, skills, qualifications, relevant education, certifications, seniority, and location. The pay rate is one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards vary by position and location.

To learn more about our company & view a more detailed job description, visit our website at smithgardens.com/careers.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Smith Gardens provides equal employment opportunity 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, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.