Grower Technician & Material Handler

Description: PRIMARY PURPOSE AND FUNCTION:

The Grower Technician assists the Section Grower and Lead Grower in ensuring all plants produced in the greenhouses at Walters Gardens are grown to the highest quality standard and in a safe, efficient, and economical way. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Moisture Management • Monitor crops daily to determine when to irrigate plants based on growing environment, plant needs, and moisture levels • Learn different varieties, sizes, season cycles, and water patterns to achieve a proper and even moisture level throughout crops • Operate, maintain, and schedule all irrigation systems • Communicate with Section Grower and Lead Grower for specific water, environmental, and special application needs daily and before weekends/holidays • Participate in Friday, weekend, and holiday watering schedules Fertility Management • Read, assess and coordinate weekly media testing and water sampling • Schedule and apply fertilizer and/or other nutrients weekly based on media testing results • Learn and understand the different fertilizer blends and rates • Upkeep Injector room by monitoring equipment, adjusting injector rates, and mixing tanks when necessary. • Choose between fertilizer blends and rates for optimal plant nutrition based on media testing and water sampling results • Keep crops on schedule Sanitation • Scout weekly for algae, liverwort, and weeds in and around the greenhouses • Apply sanitation techniques to control algae and liverwort growth • Remove and destroy all weeds and liverwort as they are observed • Keep greenhouse aisles and floor matting free of debris • Make herbicide applications around the greenhouses as needed • Applying slug bait and mouse bait to greenhouse ranges • Utilize ride on sweeper to keep aisles and production areas clean • Disposal of chemical rinsate on field grounds Material Handling • Unloading deliveries and putting supplies in proper locations • Help keep production areas organized by moving skids, removing waste, and moving dumpsters • Assist with unloading cuttings and tissue culture and moving to proper holding facilities Additional Duties • Participate in chemical applications of plant growth regulators, fungicides, and insecticides • Monitor crops and coordinate mowing/pruning as needed • Assist with mowing and moving of plants as needed • Observe and communicate any pest and disease issues to the IPM Team, Section Grower, and Lead Grower immediately • Communicate any other problems or concerns to Section Grower and/or Lead Grower immediately • Assist in keeping inventory accurate with physical inventory checks and checking plug pulling documents. • Other duties as assigned Requirements: KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 2 years of horticulture education or experience Basic organizational and math skills Computer skills (including Microsoft Office) Ability to be on your feet for 9 hours each day Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50lbs) Available to work on weekends as needed Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred PI22c5ef8e87d3-25448-35580703