Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
The Head Grower leads the cultivation and production of high-quality greenhouse crops through advanced horticultural practices, effective pest management, and optimized growing techniques. This role oversees daily greenhouse operations, mentors the growing team, and ensures compliance with industry standards to support consistent, sustainable crop production.
Ø Labor/Supervision (6 days per week):
· Develop and maintain weekly labor schedules for the production team.
· Supervise and support a team of 10-15 production employees
· Oversee and provide guidance to grower supervisors, assistant growers, and irrigators.
· Coordinate labor scheduling and communicate effectively with transplanting and shipping departments to ensure smooth workflow.
· Conduct annual performance evaluations for supervised staff.
· Ensure consistent on-the-job training and development for team members
· Manage and maintain up-to-date licensing and certification schedules for pesticide sprayers
Ø Crop Management:
· Ensure key indicators are monitored daily and/or weekly
· Moisture management
· Light levels
· Temperature
· Crop status
· Insects/disease
Ø Review and understand crop templates thoroughly before production begins and ensure proper implementation throughout the production cycle.
Ø Monitor team members to verify accurate execution of production procedures
Ø Oversee correct application of spraying, irrigation, fertilization, soil management, and environmental controls.
Ø Collaborate with production staff to implement new programs and improve growing practices.
Ø Develop and manage workflow schedules, assisting growers with effective time management.
Ø Ensure compliance with all state and federal chemical application regulations.
Ø Template Management Responsibilities:
· Growth regulators
· Fertilizers
· Crop management strategies
Ø Movement
· Oversee and manage daily functions of the Movement Department
· Collaborate with transplanting and movement teams to ensure products are transplanted accurately and relocated to the correct greenhouse zones or benches
· Support efficient crop flow by monitoring space utilization and ensuring timely movement of product throughout production stages.
Ø Efficiencies & Yield Responsibilities:
· Support the achievement of key corporate production goals, including:
· Yearly yield targets
· Cost of goods goals
· Quality standards
· Operational efficiency benchmarks
· Collaborate with team members and departments to identify and implement improvements that drive productivity, reduce waste and enhance crop quality
· Monitor performance metrics and contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives.
Ø Interdepartmental Communication Responsibilities:
· Ensure proper maintenance and functionality of greenhouse systems and equipment, including injectors, heat valves, Argus computer controls, sprayers, and overall greenhouse cleanliness.
· Communicate facility-related issues promptly to the Production Manager to support timely resolution.
· Monitor greenhouse and germination chamber performance to ensure optimal growing conditions.
· Ensure crops receive consistent care throughout the entire week, including weekends and holidays as needed.
· Oversee timely and accurate product shipments and communicate any delays or quality concerns to the appropriate departments.
Ø Communication and Leadership
· Provide strong leadership to the growing team, setting a positive example and reinforcing company values
· Foster a collaborative, respectful work enfironment that promotes good morale, strong work ethic, and interdepartmental cooperation.
· Represent the company professionally withing the horticulture industry and across internal teams.
· Promote and maintain positive relationships with vendors, distributors, competitors and customers to support the company’s reputation and strategic goals.
Requirements:
Ø Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field, or equivalent training with credible references demonstrating advanced horticultural knowledge and the ability to manage operational staff
Ø Minimum five years of experience in a grower supervisor role and/or one to two years of experience in a Head Grower position.
Ø At least two years of experience in plug production
Ø Strong leadership and management skills—considered the most critical aspect of this role.
Ø Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments to organize and manage efficient production systems.
Ø Experience overseeing a team in a facility of 1000,00 sq. ft. or larger, managing multiple product lines and multiple ship weeks.
Ø Demonstrated success managing and training a production team of three or more people.
Ø Proficient in greenhouse operations, including environmental controls, pad and vent management, and weed control.
Ø Proven ability to lead continuous improvement efforts and contribute to organizational growth.
Ø Possess or ability to obtain California Pesticide Applicator’s License within 3 months of employment.
Ø Bilingual in Spanish and English a plus