Torchora
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Greenhouse Grower (Horticulture & Cultivation Specialist)

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

AgricultureHorticultureCultivationPlant ScienceSkilled Labor

🎯 Role Definition

As a Greenhouse Grower, you are the primary steward of our crops, responsible for nurturing plants from seed to harvest. You will manage the greenhouse environment, implement cultivation strategies, and execute daily tasks to ensure optimal plant health and productivity. This role is a critical, hands-on position that directly impacts the success of our operations by combining the art of horticulture with the precision of science. You will be a key player in our mission to produce consistent, high-quality plants through sustainable and efficient growing practices.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Greenhouse Technician or Assistant
  • Recent Graduate with a degree in Horticulture or Plant Science
  • Nursery Worker or Farm Hand with relevant experience

Advancement To:

  • Head Grower or Lead Grower
  • Greenhouse Manager
  • Cultivation Director or VP of Cultivation

Lateral Moves:

  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist
  • Plant Research & Development Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage and monitor automated environmental control systems (e.g., Priva, Argus) to maintain optimal temperature, humidity, CO2, and light levels for various crop cycles.
  • Implement and oversee daily irrigation and fertigation schedules, adjusting nutrient recipes and water volume based on plant stage, substrate data, and environmental conditions.
  • Execute a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, including regular scouting for pests and diseases, and applying biological, cultural, or chemical controls as needed.
  • Conduct meticulous daily inspections of all crops to monitor plant health, identify early signs of stress, and diagnose nutrient deficiencies or pest issues.
  • Oversee and perform all stages of plant cultivation, including propagation from seed or clone, transplanting, and spacing according to production schedules.
  • Perform critical plant maintenance tasks such as pruning, de-leafing, trellising, and training to optimize light penetration, airflow, and overall plant structure for maximum yield.
  • Lead and participate in the harvesting, drying, curing, and post-harvest handling of crops, ensuring quality standards are met throughout the process.
  • Calibrate, operate, and perform routine maintenance on greenhouse equipment, including environmental sensors, irrigation systems, lighting, and fertigation injectors.
  • Collect plant tissue, water, and substrate samples for laboratory analysis and interpret results to make data-driven adjustments to cultivation strategies.
  • Develop, refine, and ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all cultivation activities to promote consistency, efficiency, and safety.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex plant health issues, applying a deep understanding of plant physiology and pathology to implement effective corrective actions.
  • Manage the complete life cycle of crops, ensuring production targets and deadlines are consistently met.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all cultivation activities, including environmental data, nutrient applications, pest control measures, and crop yields.
  • Manage inventory levels of essential growing supplies, such as growing media, nutrients, fertilizers, and pest control agents, and coordinate procurement with the supply chain team.
  • Train, mentor, and supervise junior growers and cultivation technicians on best practices, SOPs, and safety protocols.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all state, federal, and industry regulations (e.g., GACP, USDA Organic, etc.) related to cultivation and facility operations.
  • Collaborate directly with the Head Grower and management on crop scheduling, production planning, and forecasting to meet business demands.
  • Assist in research and development (R&D) trials for new cultivars, growing techniques, nutrient regimens, or equipment to drive continuous improvement.
  • Maintain a high level of cleanliness, sanitation, and organization within the greenhouse to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe working environment.
  • Prepare detailed performance reports on crop yields, quality metrics, and production efficiencies for review by the management team.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Plant Nutrition: Deep knowledge of plant nutrition, fertigation, and the ability to formulate and adjust complex nutrient recipes.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Proven experience in developing and executing IPM strategies, including pest/disease identification and knowledge of biological control agents.
  • Environmental Control Software: Proficiency in operating and managing automated greenhouse climate control systems like Argus, Priva, or Hoogendoorn.
  • Cultivation Techniques: Expertise in various propagation methods (cloning, seeding), pruning, and training techniques specific to the target crops.
  • Hydroponics/Soilless Media: Hands-on experience with various soilless substrates (e.g., rockwool, coco coir) and hydroponic or aeroponic systems.
  • Data Collection & Analysis: Ability to meticulously log data, interpret results from lab tests, and make data-driven decisions to optimize crop performance.
  • Plant Pathology & Physiology: Strong understanding of plant diseases, pests, nutrient deficiencies, and the underlying physiological responses of plants to environmental stimuli.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail is critical for spotting subtle changes in plant health and maintaining precise environmental controls.
  • Proactive Problem-Solving: Ability to anticipate potential issues, diagnose problems quickly, and implement effective solutions under pressure.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple crop cycles, tasks, and priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Teamwork & Communication: Strong collaborative skills to work effectively with a diverse team and clearly communicate observations, instructions, and reports.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing environmental conditions, new technologies, and evolving cultivation strategies.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED, combined with significant, relevant hands-on experience in a commercial growing environment.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Horticulture
  • Plant Science
  • Agronomy
  • Botany
  • Controlled Environment Agriculture

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a commercial-scale greenhouse or indoor cultivation facility.

Preferred: Direct experience managing all crop production stages in a high-tech, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) setting. Experience with the specific crop type (e.g., leafy greens, vine crops, cannabis) is a significant plus.

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