Grower - Etowah, United States - BrightFarms Inc

Description

Job Description

BrightFarms is The Place to Grow

At BrightFarms, we're on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don't just want to grow great-tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.

BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms. We currently operate six high-tech greenhouse farms, with four new regional salad greenhouse hubs breaking ground to begin opening in 2024. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 3,700 retail stores across the East Coast and Midwest.

At our greenhouse in Hendersonville, we grow more than 2 million pounds of leafy greens per year for the Carolinas. We are currently in need of a Grower to support our team. In this role you will help manage the greenhouse production of hydroponic baby greens and other crops for our operations throughout the U.S. In addition, the Growers may be trained to develop into more advanced roles at our existing and future facilities.

Specifically, you will:

• Manage all environmental controls of the greenhouse using Hoogendoorn greenhouse environmental control software
• Work closely with the Head Grower to determine ideal computer set points and ensure proper conditions are achieved
• Be responsible for controlling all parameters related to the maintenance of healthy and productive production ponds
• Be responsible for fertility and pH management, thermal management, pond aeration, pond sanitation, and pond mechanicals
• Ensuring the product is free of insect pests and disease
• Work closely with the Head Grower to develop, implement, and maintain a biologically based IPM program, and any chemical applications required
• Scout and record keeping
• Work closely with the BrightFarms Research and Development team to design, implement and track R&D projects to increase and optimize yields of existing products, and to develop new products for the BrightFarms sales portfolio
• Support the Head Grower and will be accountable for revenue, for operating expenses, for quality and for the operation of the facility, including:
  • production planning and reporting
  • plant performance
  • labor management
  • balancing inputs
  • throughput & demand
  • facilities maintenance
• Support the Head Grower and be accountable for maintaining a neat and orderly greenhouse facility
• Work closely with the Head Grower to ensure that the food safety program meets all compliance requirements
• Work closely with the Head Grower and other members of the management team to:
  • develop and execute the strategies to achieve BrightFarms' mission
  • lead BrightFarmers to enable them to execute the strategies to achieve BrightFarms' mission

Preferred Qualifications:

• 4-year degree in horticulture and or related sciences
• 3 years of experience in commercial production of plants using soilless culture in environmentally controlled greenhouses
• Experience with biological control agents (BCA's) and knowledge of IPM required
• Lead by example – set the highest possible standards for quality, efficiency, productivity, and behavior
• The ability to be detail oriented and data driven
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and is a curious, self starter
• Strong computer skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook (Power Point and Access Database knowledge beneficial)

Ideal but not required:

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in controlled environment agriculture and hydroponic production of food crops
• Priva or Hoogendoorn experience a plus
• Successful candidates will have strong knowledge of nutrient management and hydroponic nutrient solutions

Come grow with us - the future is BRIGHT

BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.