Grower

Description

To help color the world and bring excitement in the world of flowers to our customers. This key Grower position supports the breeding, product development and culture research staff by producing and maintaining quality plant material for research trials and marketing events, while keeping the facility clean and operating efficiently. This position is responsible for the plant health and quality of crops in assigned zones and will focus on the watering, fertilizing, media testing, and growth regulation, as well as the monitoring and treatment of pests and diseases in those assigned crops. Position includes strong participation in the facility’s Integrated Pest Management program and includes crop scouting, releases of biocontrol agents, and general pesticide applications. 

Responsibilities and Duties

• Assist in all aspects of growing plants for breeding, research trials, and marketing events, including watering, fertilizing, spraying, PGR applications, record keeping and plant movement.
• Identify pests, diseases, and nutrient issues and recommend appropriate corrective measures to the Greenhouse Manager. 
• Participate in the integrated pest management program through scouting, identifying and reporting pests; calculate chemical use rates and participate in weekly pesticide applications schedule, as well as in weekly biocontrol releases.  
• Make recommendations and take corrective measures under the direction of the Greenhouse Manager. 
• Assist with soil and water testing by collecting samples and recording pH/EC data for crops and irrigation water in assigned zones. 
• Prepare and apply fertilizer, PGRs, and pesticides solutions. 
• Participate on the weekend and holiday watering schedule. 
• Assist with assembling, filling and setting out containers used in seeding and transplanting. 
• Assist with composting, cleaning floors, and other activities to keep the facility clean and safe. 

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and a minimum of 3 years of experience in greenhouse production.
• Experience with Integrated Pest Management and pesticide applications.
• Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License is required to be obtained within 3 months of hire.
• Familiarity with greenhouse equipment and monitoring systems.
• Computer experience and familiarity with MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Teams), as well as experience with record keeping.
• Highly organized and self-motivated.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to tolerate hot, humid greenhouse conditions for long periods.
• Ability to spray chemicals while wearing protective equipment.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Holds self accountable to meet commitments.
• Operates effectively even when things are uncertain or the way forward is not clear.
• Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to lift/carry 45 lbs. up to 10% of the day.
• Ability to lift/carry 20 lbs. up to 50% of the day.
• Ability to push/pull 45 lbs. up to 50% of the day.
• Ability to sit/stand 100% of the day.
• Ability to kneel/bend 20% of the day.
• Ability to reach 75% of the day. 
• Ability to climb/balance 5% of the day. 
• Ability to use hands/fingers 100% of the day. 
• Ability to work in hot, humid greenhouse environmental conditions for 80% of the day.

Hourly Pay Range: $21 - $25  

Our promise to you

We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable. 

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance 
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan 
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays 
• Tuition assistance 
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs