Seasonal Crops Lead Grower - Willoway Nurseries : Job Details

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish , maintain and be consistent with daily huddles with other Lead Growers to determine tasks and priorities. Communicate effectively .
• Determine/schedule/perform and train staff on watering and fertilizer applications for all crops in area of responsibility.
• Determine/schedule/perform all applications of fungicides, insecticides, plant growth regulators, weed control for assigned crops.
• Record and post all pesticide applications as required by the company and in accordance with State and Federal laws
• Perform or assign scouting of all plant material to ensure pests are being controlled
• Schedule all plant maintenance (weeding, trimming, spacing, staking)
• Perform daily plant care for assigned crops
• Maintain plant quality and production levels to maximize margins and profitability
• Use FileMaker Task Manager to schedule important processes and reminders
• Perform pour thru testing on crops to help determine nutritional needs, make corrective actions when necessary
• Report scrap on timely basis. Review reason for scrap and modify cultural practices, scheduling and overproduction situations to reduce future scrap.
• Record and review/evaluate plant performance throughout the term of each crop. Note recommendations for changes, improvements and best management practices for future crops.
• Insure irrigation system, including watering time clocks, electric valves, drips, flooding and irrigation booms/boomerangs are programmed and operating properly
• Responsible for Fall Mum Other Fall Crops and Poinsettia Plans and initiating the liner orders

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and keep monthly To Do Calendar updated to aid in planning, prioritizing and execution of tasks by week/day
• Coordinate management of water and fertilizer tanks, acid and fertilizer stock tanks with other lead growers
• Determine needs, in advance for chemicals and fertilizers needed for upcoming and current crops
• Determine needs for Biological/Predator applications and request that order be placed with supplier. Apply upon arrival.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES cont'd

• Perform weekly EC/pH testing on water and fertilizer storage tanks
• Responsible for general cleanliness of production areas. Clean and disinfect all areas before new crops are set down
• Monitor and report maintenance and repairs on equipment, buildings, greenhouses etc.
• Be responsible for assigned tools and equipment
• Monitor and report any supplies needed to Chief of Growing Operations - Greenhouse.
• Perform weekend/holiday duty in rotation with other growers.
• Safety - Engage with staff to reduce workplace accidents. Report any safety concerns to manager immediately. Work with management to investigate all near misses and accidents timely and effectively.
• Know and enforce SANC policy and procedure
• Do annual performance reviews for all direct report employees (as applicable)
• Implement lean practices to reduce input costs while maintaining plant quality
• Assist other Greenhouse Lead Growers in off seasons or when applicable
• Assist in order processing when applicable
• Perform other duties that may be assigned to you

SKILLS

• Environmental Equipment programming and operation (when applicable)
• Boom and Boomerang programming and operation
• Proficient in Word, Excel and Filemaker Task Manager
• Possess basic mathematical skills
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills and abilities

KNOWLEDGE

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Horticulture is a plus
• Minimum 1-2 years experience in tasks as outlined in this position description
• Verbal and written Spanish is a plus
• Proficient in insect, disease, weed identification and sanitation and their recommended control measures
• Familiar with common pesticides and application techniques. Familiar with laws and regulations regarding pesticide applications, exposure REI's and PPE's. Must be Certified Private Applicator licensed by The State of Ohio
• Knowledge of cultural requirements of crops grown that will produce quality /salable plants and ensure that scrap is minimized and margins are profitable.

ABILITIES

• Incorporate Company Core Values into every work day
• Effectively delegate and train workers
• Accountability- understand the positive aspects of the Winning with Accountability culture. Engage with upper management and direct reports to hold each other accountable for meeting timelines and expectations.
• Provide effective and timely communication within department and between other departments
• GGOB -Engage your team and participate in GGOB as part of your daily work. Represent your department/work area as a voice of the company and communicate any wins/issues to your manager.
• Maintain 5S principles
• Review and continue to implement lean practices and efficiencies
• Seek out methods of reducing scrap
• Proper record keeping
• Remain current with industry information regarding latest equipment, cultural practices, and any other pertinent information available to aid in producing quality crops
• Possess excellent reasoning ability
• Ability to prioritize tasks and determine sense of urgency with projects and deadlines
• Ability to make subjective situations objective by applying policy and procedure
• Brand Harmony - learn, understand, and live our brand with all internal and external customer interactions. Work with your direct reports so that they can understand how their actions affect our customers' beliefs about our company/product.
• Provide exceptional customer service; both internal and external
• Establish valuable relationships with vendors and suppliers

WORK ENVIRONMENTWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold or heat. Employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles or moderate noise levels. An average workday would be spent approximately 20% in office - administrative type work and 80% in growing, production, shipping areas. Average workday varies with seasons.WORK SCHEDULEMinimum of 2200 hours worked per year. (50+ hours per week may be required in the spring season). Be able to work weekends/holidays as needed.We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.We are proud to have a Drug Free Workplace Safety ProgramThis is a full time position with opportunity for an earned bonus program. Benefits include competitive program such as vacation, holidays, health insurance, life insurance & 401k with employer match. Competitive Salary range of $22-$24 depending on experience