Head Grower - Macon, 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.

Our Agriculture department is looking to add a Head Grower to lead our new greenhouse in Macon, GA.

Specifically, you will:

• Be responsible for managing all environmental controls of the greenhouse using Priva greenhouse environmental control software
• Work closely with the Director of Agriculture to determine ideal computer set points and ensure proper conditions are achieved
• Control all parameters related to the maintenance of healthy and productive production systems including:
  • fertility and pH management
  • thermal management
  • aeration
  • sanitation
  • mechanicals
• Ensure the product is free of insect pest and disease
• Develop, implement, and maintain a biologically based IPM program and any chemical applications required.
• Responsible for scouting and record keeping
• Need to get a pesticide license for the State of Georgia
• Work closely with the Product Manager and Director of Agriculture to design, implement and track R&D projects to increase and optimize yields of existing products, and to develop new products for BrightFarms's sales portfolio
• Be accountable for revenue, operating expenses, quality, operation of the facility, including:
  • production (WIP and people) planning and reporting
  • plant performance
  • labor management
  • balancing inputs
  • throughput & demand
  • facilities maintenance
• Be accountable for maintaining a neat and orderly greenhouse facility
• Work closely with the General Manger to ensure that the food safety program meets all compliance requirements
• Collaborate with leadership to develop and execute strategies to achieve BrightFarms's mission, and lead by example to help greenhouse employees achieve mission
  

The ideal candidate has:

• 4-year degree in horticulture and or related sciences
• 5 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
  
• Strong knowledge of nutrient management and hydroponic nutrient solutions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in controlled environment agriculture and hydroponic production of food crops
• Priva experience

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.