Assistant Grower

Costa Farms, LLC • Miami, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Grower – Young Plants at Costa Farms is a hands-on, detail-oriented individual passionate about horticulture, crop quality, and team collaboration. As part of the Young Plants growing operation, they are responsible for managing and executing the daily tasks of growing and maintaining high-quality plug and propagation products on time, at a reasonable cost, and to the required quality specifications as directed by the Managing Grower / Grower.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or a related field is preferred.
• Familiarity with proper moisture management techniques and nutrient management testing procedures.
• Ability to identify common crop insect and disease problems, observe crop stress signs, and react accordingly.
• Ability to accurately follow instructions and effectively communicate with team members and management; English/Spanish bilingual preferred.
• Ability to calculate amounts, proportions, percentages, and volumes related to fertilizers, chemicals, and water; apply basic mathematical and algebraic principles for such calculations.
• Possess a pesticide applicator’s license or be willing and able to enroll in the program.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data to diverse audiences.
• Ability to learn and use a variety of computer software, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and other operational tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks and requests simultaneously.
• Foster positive working relationships and work independently as well as part of a team; focus on planning, organizing, and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively relay crop status, pest challenges, and operational needs to management and team members.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team-oriented environment and foster positive working relationships across departments.
• Accurately gather, record, and maintain crop data including bench cards, pesticide application logs, and growth records.
• Strong attention to detail, planning, and organizational skills; capable of identifying crop health challenges, evaluating options, and reacting appropriately.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and adapt to changing priorities and seasonal demands.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; possess familiarity with moisture management, nutrient management, and general growing procedures.
• Proficient or willing to learn a variety of computer software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and other operational tools used for crop management and reporting.

Nice To Haves

• English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

Responsibilities

• Understand and implement irrigation, chemical application, and fertilization protocols as directed by the Managing Grower / Grower; effectively provide direction and supervision to team members executing these tasks.
• Monitor crops for and identify common growth, health, insect, and disease challenges; relay any quality or pest issues to the Grower / Managing Grower.
• Evaluate crop protection needs; help supervise and participate in pest management including IPM programs and protocol; assist in writing orders for pesticide and biological applications as needed; review scouting reports weekly and collaborate with the Grower / Managing Grower and IPM Manager to develop action plans.
• Collect tissue, water, and soil samples for standard nutrition and pathology analysis; take basic in-house measurements related to nutrition and environmental monitoring.
• Follow, execute, and maintain records of crop activities, pesticide applications, and growth records on bench cards or other requested methods.
• Work closely with the Grower / Managing Grower to schedule and monitor operational task quality and efficiency; assist with assigning standard and ad-hoc operational tasks. Successfully attain a passing grade on the 5 Levels of Moisture Management Training at the first available session after being hired.
• Upkeep and maintain the fertigation system and related infrastructure used daily; relay any major infrastructure or equipment issues to the Grower / Managing Grower.
• Assist in training new employees in growing techniques and activities; share responsibility with the Grower / Managing Grower in enforcing workplace organization (WPO) and safety standards in respective work areas.
• Help conduct trials and experiments to evaluate possible improvements to crops.
• Weekend work flexibility is required; hours may vary based on seasonal demand and business needs.
• Effectively and accurately perform other duties as assigned.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level