Section Editor - Web jobs in Lynchburg, VA

COMPANY PROFILE

The Plant Company (TPC) is a newly established business currently operating in its Phase 1 production facility. Phase 1 encompasses a 5 acre greenhouse facility along with a 1.5 acre production barn. This is a state of the art, controlled environment greenhouse for the sustainable production of tropical indoor foliage plants of consistent and exceptional quality.

We believe that "together we grow stronger", which applies to employees, vendors and of course customers. The four core values that identify this company are:

1. Caring About People, Plants, and Process
2. Growth Oriented
3. Customer First
4. "Can Do" Attitude

JOB SUMMARY

Daily implementation and decision making around crop needs (e.g., climate, irrigation, fertility, EC and pH management, pest management). Plan, organize, direct, control, and coordinate activities of co-workers directly engaged in cultivating plants. Finish crops on time, in the correct quantities, and according to internal growth specifications.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Grower Knowledge

• • Identify plants as well as problems such as diseases, weeds, and pests.
  • Determine plant growing conditions.
  • Establish and maintain Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
  • Apply biologicals, pesticides, and fertilizers to plants.
  • Position and regulate plant irrigation systems, and program irrigation control computers.
  • Tour work areas to observe work being done, inspect crops, and evaluate plant and soil conditions.
  • Assign work schedules and duties to greenhouse staff and supervise their work.
  • Maintain required fertilizer inventory levels.

• Horticultural Knowledge

• • In conjunction with the Lead Grower and Manager of Growing, assist with all aspects of the Horticulture processes and procedures in your assigned area, including but not limited to; propagation, fertilization, irrigation, weeding, equipment operation, order pulling, and other crop needs on a daily basis.
  • Be able to maintain the crops by pinching, pruning and cutting back in conjunction with the Lead Grower and the planning department.
  • Record and report inputs like water, fertilizer, PGR, on all crops for all stages from the beginning to the end of the crop cycle.
  • Make sure all required samplings are done on time, this includes daily EC and pH measurement, weekly soil analysis for EC and pH, media and foliar sampling for lab analysis depending on the requirement.
  • Responsible for other areas depending on the request from Lead Grower.
  • Help during frost patrol and preparation of winterization and de-winterization process.
  • Ensure that all solenoids, valves, and irrigation hoses are maintained and working according to protocol.
  • Be able to work closely with all stakeholders at all times to foster teamwork.
  • Growers are also expected to be leaders and coordinate work amongst the team by communicating clearly with other assistant growers and managers to keep working at an efficient pace.
  • Support other departments and managers.

• Recordkeeping & Technical Knowledge
  • Monitor computer control systems based on request from the grower and established criteria.
  • Be able to maintain or fix some minor technical problems in your area of responsibility.
  • Consistent irrigation system inspection to make sure that the moisture requirement is up to standard.
  • Be able to set up the overhead irrigation and flood irrigation in the computer system.
  • Manage daily assignments and priorities from the grower and other team members to maintain top health and quality of plants in your assigned area.
  • Learn and accurately identify irrigation and nutritional needs of various crops and carry out watering and fertilizing as needed.
  • Recording and reporting all data required to the supervisor, make sure all data are recorded and kept according to the requirements.

• Safety, Housekeeping, & Compliance
  • Ensuring that the activities within your area adhere to all company and regulatory protocols, policies, and processes.
  • Keeping and maintaining the sanitation standards in your area of responsibility according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Responsible for making sure that the area under your responsibility is in compliance with WPS standards.
  • Ensuring that the equipment for growing proposes is in proper working conditions.
  • Inspect and maintain the area of responsibility, making sure that all necessary structures and equipment are in order and always functioning.
  • Responsible for housekeeping and sanitation of your area.
  • Making sure that the lights in your area are checked once every week.
  • Responsible to make sure that the standard rooting hormones and regular PGR application signs are in place and the cards are prepared and applied in accordance to the instructions.
  • Adherence to all applicable HSE regulations and processes.
  • Apply chemical pesticides and growth regulators as directed by the Lead Grower and in accordance with OSHA and company safety procedures.
  • Assess plant health daily to identify and report any disease, insect problem or other abnormalities.
  • Work with growers and our spectacular team to identify new ways to improve processes in the areas of logistics, placement, etc. Test and document new methods.
  • Upkeep of the physical greenhouse, including walkways and work areas each day.

Multiple work schedules are available including day, evening, and weekend shifts. Scheduling flexibility for overtime and weekend rotation is required to meet the needs of the job.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Virginia Pesticide Applicator License or
  • Must obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Self-starter with ability to problem solve and good decision-making skills.
• Ability to do repetitive tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and high-quality standards.

• Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and work independently or with team towards a solution.
• Ability to determine causes of operating errors.
• Positive attitude and team player.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma required.
  • Associate degree in Greenhouse, Horticulture, Botany, or related field encouraged.
• Three (3) years of relevant job experience
• Intermediate understanding of horticulture and agricultural practices.
• Familiarity with working in the greenhouse and understanding of plant propagation.
• Understanding of basic irrigation and fertility management.
• Working knowledge of WPS requirements and applications.
• Basic computer skills including:
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

The Plant Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Plant Company is to extend employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.