Horticulture Technician

Peckham, Inc.•Grand Rapids, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Greenhouse Production Technician supports daily greenhouse operations by monitoring plant health, maintaining optimal growing conditions, and executing plant cultivation activities. This role is responsible for irrigation management, pest and disease control, equipment upkeep, and accurate data tracking to ensure consistent, high-quality plant production. The position operates within established agricultural protocols, safety standards, and regulatory requirements, contributing to efficient and compliant greenhouse operations. This is an entry-level role that works under general supervision while building technical skills in greenhouse production and agricultural practices. This role must be available to work weekends and holidays as required to support program operations; scheduling may vary based on staffing needs.

Requirements

High School (HS) Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
1 - 2 years experience in greenhouse or agricultural production
Knowledge of plant health indicators, including signs of nutrient deficiencies, disease, and environmental stress, to support timely intervention and plant vitality.
Skilled in plant cultivation techniques, including seeding, transplanting, pruning, and harvesting, to promote healthy growth and maximize yield.
Skilled in accurate data entry and recordkeeping practices, ensuring timely documentation of plant care activities, production metrics, and compliance-related information.
Knowledge of agricultural safety practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of tools and materials, and adherence to workplace safety standards.
Ability to manage irrigation systems, including monitoring water levels, adjusting schedules, and maintaining equipment to ensure optimal hydration for plant health.
Skilled in routine equipment maintenance, including cleaning, inspection, and basic repairs of agricultural tools and machinery to ensure safe and effective operation.
Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) practices, including identification, prevention, and treatment of common pests while minimizing environmental impact.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid forklift certification, including demonstrating safe operation, adherence to workplace safety standards, and completion of required training and recertification.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Pesticide Applicator Certification

Responsibilities

Monitor and manage plant health to ensure optimal growth.
Maintain and repair greenhouse equipment to support efficient production.
Gather plant, media, and water samples for laboratory analysis.
Ensure fertilizer stock tanks are replenished as needed.
Periodically seed plug trays and transfer germinated trays to growing areas.
Clean and sanitize nursery growing areas and transfer germinated plug trays into those areas.
Scout for insect infestations and disease infections, applying bio-rational pest and disease control methods as directed.
Determine moisture requirements for crops and irrigate as directed.
Populate multiple logs and records for regulatory and operational purposes.
Cultivate plants according to established protocols and production schedules.
Record data related to plant growth, pest management, and environmental conditions.
Coordinate the supply of necessary materials and resources for greenhouse operations.
Safely operates a forklift to load, move, and stage greenhouse materials and supplies, supporting daily greenhouse operations while following all safety and equipment guidelines.
Execute Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for growing and food safety.
Comply with all written Good Manufacturing and Agricultural Practices (GMPs/GAPs) at all times, including but not limited to, personal clothing, personal items, personal hygiene, food safety attire, and proper food handling and sanitation.
Assist in research and development activities, including plant variety trials.
Apply bio-rational pest and disease control methods as directed by leadership.
Summarize and publish plant yields and other KPI (key performance indicators).
Conduct weekly inventory counts of seeds, plug trays, fertilizers, chemicals, and other inputs.
Adjust environmental control systems, including temperature and humidity, as directed by leadership.
Complies with all policies and standards
Maintain safe and clean work environment
Promote Peckham’s vision values and services to all team members, staff, customers, and stakeholders
Assist in maintaining organizational wide quality standards
Other duties as assigned