Grower (Beamsville, ON)

Summary

The Grower is required to maintain a high standard of quality in all live products that are grown, sold from and displayed in our Bradford Greenhouses environment. This is a physical position working with all plant material in all weather conditions. The individual in this position is also required to report any concerns to management that could have a direct effect on lessening the quality of the live products.

Job Duties

• Grows plants to maturity. This will include seeding, watering, moving materials, fertilizing, trimming/cleaning up the plants and applying any treatment that the plants may require.
• Reviews plants on a daily basis for possible insect or disease. If any of these items are located, isolates the infected plants and treats the area accordingly.
• Controls the watering of the plants in all zones of the Greenhouses (this may involve delegating some other employees to assist with watering).
• Quality control of all live products: addressing any concerns in products with the head grower in the particular area.
• Maintains clear record of when plants were reviewed and what action (if any) took place. Actions could involve adding pesticides, fertilizing or any other additional care that may be required.
• Maintains clear record of any material that needs to be written off and the reason for writing the product off: tired product, diseased, deceased etc.
• Monitors and orders fertilizer and chemical inventory for in store use.
• Monitors climate control and watering systems: maintaining an ideal growing environment.

• Continuing education on new trends in the grower industry and advises management of any changes that may be required (pesticide changes, new by laws, cost saving methods).

Requirements

• Degree and/or diploma in horticulture
• 2 years previous growing experience in a mid to large size greenhouse environment
• Current Pesticide certification
• Good communication skills
• Able to accurately diagnose and remedy the majority of plant illnesses and diseases
• Grower certification

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

This position may be exposed to longer hours, days on your feet and a moderately stressful environment. The individual will have frequent exposure to pesticides, chemicals and fertilizers. It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that any applications of potentially hazardous products is conducted in accordance to the guidelines outlined by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and the Pesticide Applicator Course.

Sensory demands in this position are low and entail approximately 20% auditory effort and 80% concentration and communication. Physical demands are high, as this individual will be involved with watering and fertilizing all product in the greenhouse in hot and humid environment.