1st Shift Assistant - Grower

Supervisory Responsibilities:
 This position does not have any direct supervisory or management responsibilities. 

Position Summary 
 The Assistant Grower is responsible for the proper care of the plant development in their designated area(s), including but not limited to the principles and practices of plant cultivation and quality of the work done on the crops. This position will also monitor and adjust processes to the best growing conditions for all crops as trained or directed by growing leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all safety policies (worker safety, food safety, etc.) are followed and enforced and ensure strict crop hygiene practices.
• Stay up to date on all required trainings. 
• Manage daily assignments and priorities from the grower and other team members to maintain top health and quality of plants in your assigned area. Ensure all necessary steps are taken to ensure top quality of plants across various seasons.
• Learn and accurately identify irrigation and nutritional needs of various crops and carry out watering and fertilizing as needed.
• Apply chemical pesticides and growth regulators as directed by the grower and in accordance with OSHA and company safety procedures.
• Assess plant health daily to identify and report any disease, insect problem, or abnormalities
• Work with growers and the rest of our great team to identify new ways to improve processes in the areas of logistics, placement, etc. Test and document new methods.
• Care and upkeep of the work area, including walkways, each day.
• Collaborate with and support other departments and managers, working as a team to accomplish a common goal.
• Adhere to all general job training instructions, safe work practices, and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications

• Intermediate math skills 
• Solid reading skills
• Ability to communicate with the team 
• Able to work in a fast-paced and physical environment
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently as the task requires 
• High attention to detail and organization
• Ability to accurately identify irrigation needs for various crops 
• Ability to flex hours/schedule during peak seasons as business needs arise
• Comfort working with basic science and math concepts
• Desire to continue learning and takes the initiative to learn new best practices 
• Dedicated to continuous improvement, and sharing and building on new ideas across the organization

Preferred Qualifications 

• Horticulture education or related field
• Greenhouse, nursery, or agricultural experience 

• Comfort working with basic science concepts relevant to the department

Benefits For Metrolina Greenhouses Full-Time Employees:

Full-time positions provide the following benefits: a 401(k) Plan with matching, two bonuses (mid-year and end-of-year sales goal), paid time off, paid holidays, bereavement leave, military leave, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, employee discounts, employee assistance programs, company-wide giveaways, and additional perks.

Job Setting & Physical Demands
 This position is primarily outdoors but may be required to work between locations and within an indoor office environment for administrative duties, which may require the use of computers and standard office equipment. Fluency to read, write, and understand the English language is required.  Must be able to work in all outdoor elements, including but not limited to the weather elements, dust, and allergens. Position requires long-term ability for standing, sitting, squatting, stooping, bending, reaching, kneeling, and twisting on a regular basis to fulfill essential duties. Ability to use fine motor skills, such as pinching, squeezing, and pulling. Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds repetitively for full shift without assistance. Candidate must have the ability to certify and operate all machinery necessary within the department and across the facility. Candidates must also be able to utilize all chemicals required within the Horticulture department as assigned and follow all safety protocols. Candidate may be required to enter confined spaces for certain tasks as well as be required to work at heights over 5 feet. 

Candidates must have the ability to get certified and utilize all required PPE, such as spray suits, respirators, etc. 

Schedules for this position varies based on business needs. Our Huntersville location has weekend requirements during peak season, and our York location schedule may vary from early shifts during cooler months to earlier shifts during warmer months. 

Disclaimer

This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of people assigned to this position.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  All employees may be required to perform activities outside of their normal job responsibilities from time to time as needed.

EOE - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.