1st Shift Assistant - Grower

METROLINA GREENHOUSES•Huntersville, NC

About The Position

The Assistant Grower is responsible for the proper care and development of plants in designated areas, applying plant-cultivation practices and maintaining crop quality. The role monitors and adjusts processes to support optimal growing conditions for all crops, as trained or directed by growing leadership. It has no direct supervisory or management responsibilities. The position is primarily outdoors, though work may take place at different locations and in an indoor office for administrative duties. Schedules vary with business needs and seasonal conditions. The role involves regular physical activity, working in outdoor elements, using department machinery, handling assigned horticultural chemicals, and following safety procedures. Some tasks may require entering confined spaces or working at heights over five feet.

Requirements

Intermediate math skills.
Solid reading skills and the ability to read, write, and understand English.
Ability to communicate with the team.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, physical environment and both independently and as part of a team.
High attention to detail and organization.
Ability to accurately identify irrigation needs for various crops.
Ability to flex hours or schedule during peak seasons as business needs arise.
Comfort working with basic science and math concepts.
Desire to continue learning, with initiative to learn new best practices.
Commitment to continuous improvement and sharing and building on ideas across the organization.
Ability to work in outdoor elements, including weather, dust, and allergens.
Ability to stand, sit, squat, stoop, bend, reach, kneel, and twist regularly.
Ability to use fine motor skills, such as pinching, squeezing, and pulling.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds repetitively for a full shift without assistance.
Ability to certify and operate machinery required within the department and facility.
Ability to use assigned horticultural chemicals and follow all safety protocols.
Ability to obtain certification and use required personal protective equipment, such as spray suits and respirators.

Nice To Haves

Horticulture education or a related field.
Greenhouse, nursery, or agricultural experience.
Comfort working with basic science concepts relevant to the department.

Responsibilities

Follow and enforce worker-safety, food-safety, and other safety policies, and maintain strict crop hygiene.
Stay current on required training.
Manage daily assignments and priorities from the grower and other team members to maintain plant health and quality.
Take the necessary steps to maintain plant quality across seasons.
Learn to identify irrigation and nutritional needs of various crops, and water and fertilize as needed.
Apply chemical pesticides and growth regulators as directed by the grower and in accordance with OSHA and company safety procedures.
Assess plant health daily and identify and report disease, insect problems, or abnormalities.
Work with growers and team members to identify process improvements in areas such as logistics and placement; test and document new methods.
Care for and maintain the work area, including walkways, each day.
Collaborate with and support other departments and managers to accomplish shared goals.
Follow general job-training instructions, safe work practices, and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.