Grower

At BrightFarms, we exist for two reasons - People and our Planet. We use state of the art indoor farming techniques to produce pesticide free leafy greens that are insanely fresh and delicious. We are dedicated to our mission of reducing the environmental impact of food and serving the local communities where we grow so our supply chain is simple and easy to trace. AND we hire great people and treat the very well! Our Agriculture and Science department is looking to add multiple Grower positions to our team. These jobs will be located at our Rochelle, IL and Elkwood, VA greenhouse.
In this role you will help manage the greenhouse production of hydroponic baby greens and other crops for our operations throughout the U.S. In addition, the Growers will be trained to develop into more advanced roles at our existing and future facilities.

Working closely with a skilled growing team, you will:

• Greenhouse Environment: The Grower will be responsible for managing all environmental controls of the greenhouse using Priva greenhouse environmental control software. The grower will work closely with BrightFarms Director of Agriculture to determine ideal computer set points and ensure proper conditions are achieved.
• Pond Environment: The Grower will be responsible for controlling all parameters related to the maintenance of healthy and productive production ponds. Fertility and pH management, thermal management, pond aeration, pond sanitation, and pond mechanicals will be the responsibility of the Grower.
• Greenhouse IPM: The Grower will be responsible for ensuring the product is free of insect pest and disease. They will work closely with the Director of Agriculture to develop, implement, and maintain a biologically based IPM program and any chemical applications required. All scouting and record keeping will be the responsibility of the grower. The Grower will be required to get a pesticide license for the District of Columbia.
• R&D: The Grower will work closely with the BrightFarms Product Manager and Director of Agriculture to design, implement and track R&D projects to increase and optimize yields of existing products, and to develop new products for the BrightFarms sales portfolio.
• Production. The Grower will support the General Manager and will be accountable for revenue, for operating expenses, for quality and for the operation of the facility. This includes production (WIP and people) planning and reporting, plant performance, labor management, balancing inputs, throughput & demand, and facilities maintenance.
• Cleanliness & Food Safety. The Grower will support the General Manager and will be accountable for maintaining a neat and orderly greenhouse facility. The Grower will work closely with the General Manger to ensure that the food safety program meets all compliance requirements.
• Lead. The Grower will work closely the General Manager and with the BrightFarms Director of Agriculture and other members of the management team to (a) develop and execute the strategies to achieve BrightFarms’ mission and (b) lead BrightFarmers to enable them to execute the strategies to achieve BrightFarms’ mission.

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Required Qualifications*

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Qualified candidates should possess a minimum of a 4-year degree in horticulture and or related sciences.

• Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in commercial production of plants using soilless culture in environmentally controlled greenhouses. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in controlled environment agriculture and hydroponic production of food crops. Priva experience a plus. Experience with biological control agents (BCA’s) and knowledge of IPM required. Successful candidates will have strong knowledge of nutrient management and hydroponic nutrient solutions.
• a sincere passion for the BrightFarms mission
• the ability to exhibit excellent leadership skills: Lead by example – set the highest possible standards for quality, efficiency, productivity, and behavior
• the ability to be detail oriented and data driven
• excellent verbal and written communication skills and is a curious, self starter.
• strong computer skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook (Power Point

and Access Database knowledge beneficial)

• the ability to obtain a state pesticide applicators license

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We exist for the health of the planet and people - all new hires must be fully vaccinated against Covid -19 by their start date.*
Come grow with us - the future is BRIGHT!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift

Work Location: One location