Assistant Grower Operator

Costa Farms, LLC•Leicester, NC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

As an Assistant Grower, you will learn the art of growing alongside some the best growers while developing your leadership and teamwork skills in our personal development program. No experience is needed; just the attitude to learn because at Costa Farms, we don't just grow plants, we grow people.

Requirements

Horticulture, Plant Science or Agriculture Associates or Bachelor degree required
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with a strong emphasis in Excel
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data to diverse audiences
Superior organizational, self-motivation and problem-solving skills
Ability to effectively operate both independently and as part of a team
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work schedules as needed
Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to employees
Problem solving/Root cause analysis: able to identify problems, report them to the supervisor and recommend corrective actions. Able to actively anticipate in the problem solving solving(i.e. 5 why's, fishbone, etc.,)
Critical/strategic thinking ability
Effective time management skills to complete tasks within deadlines and maintain productivity
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues efficiently
Experience with performance management or managing KPIs (key performance indicators)
Results-oriented
Change Management: Leads and supports change initiatives by developing or advocating new processes or systems
Innovative

Nice To Haves

Horticulture experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Manages team to perform the daily assignments and priorities as identified by the grower in order to maintain top health and quality of plants in assigned area
Uses technical knowledge to accurately identify irrigation and nutritional needs of various crops and instructs team on appropriate watering and fertilizing levels and/or techniques
Assesses plant health daily to identify and report any disease, insect problem or abnormalities
Apply chemical pesticides and growth regulators as directed by the grower and in accordance with OSHA and company safety procedures
Responsible for ensuring all safety protocols are followed during chemical application including signage for re-entry interval
Work with growers and the rest of our great team to identify new ways to improve processes in the areas of logistics, placement, etc. while testing and documenting new methods
Champions implementation of the Costa Production System (CPS) as the primary tool for operational excellence and continuous improvement through Servant Leadership
Leads DDS meetings to review key metrics for area, facilitating planning and problem-solving process to address deviations or required change
Participates in 5-minute huddles to provide support and feedback to team leaders and members
Ascertains team is maintaining a clean and safe working environment
Manages employee conflict and ensures resolution in a timely and fair manner and develops and maintains positive team member relations centered on mutual trust, dignity, respect, fairness, consistency, two-way communication, teamwork, and harmony through servant leadership
Performs additional related tasks and duties as may be required
Availability for flexible schedule changes based on business needs (including but not limited to seasonal demand and additional hours outside of the regular work schedule, such as weekends, nights, and holidays)
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather information or help as required
Perform additional duties as required

Benefits

Company 401(k) with employer matching contributions
Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, and Dependent Care
Telehealth - Medical and Mental Health Care
Medical Insurance
GAP Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Pet Insurance
Supplemental Insurance (AFLAC)
Legal/ID Theft Protection plans
Professional development opportunities
Challenging and exciting work environment
Costa Farms Scholarship
Employee discounts on plants
On-site gym with showers
A subsidized on-site cafeteria, a designated quiet room, and indoor recreational activities are provided
Love Where You Work activities throughout the year