Job Description:
Do you have a background in horticulture?
Are you looking to join a growing company with endless opportunities?
We are currently searching for a Grower to join our team in Leamington, Ontario.
As the Grower you are responsible for planning and overseeing the planting, cultivation and harvesting of produce commodities grown by Lakeside Produce Inc. You will tour the greenhouses often to check the health of the plants and watch for signs of damage from human contact, structural contact, disease or pests. If pests or disease are found, you must decide on the action to be taken. When pesticides or chemicals are used, you have the responsibility to oversee their use and to be certain they are disposed of properly. You will keep records of the day-to-day operations and coordinate labor requirements with the Farm Labor Coordinator.
Always on the cutting edge, Lakeside Produce is a leader in the industry with exclusive varieties, innovative packaging and creative marketing. As the exclusive grower and marketer of "Stramato" Strawberry Tomatoes, Lakeside is also establishing itself as a leader in organics and in the development of other specialty products.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Requirements:
- High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent.
- Diploma and/or Bachelor’s degree in Botany/Horticulture/Agriculture is preferred.
- 2 years of direct work experience in horticulture.
- A solid understanding of horticultural techniques.
- Strong management, delegation, planning and leadership skills.
- Effectiveness in safety and productivity.
- Knowledge of local, provincial and federal workplace compliance regulations, ordinances and legislation.
- Commitment to working in a team environment, with established team building abilities.
- Strong communication, leadership, integration, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to participate in continuous improvement processes.
- Good observation skills.
- Ability to follow safe procedures for use of fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.
- Results-oriented individual with the ability to interpret and effectively manage multiple and competing priorities and time lines.
- Highly effective negotiation, diplomatic, and conflict resolutions skills.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise necessary cost control measures.
- Flexibility to adjust to shifting priorities and deadlines.
- Must understand the applications of pesticides used and must be in possession of a valid application permit; determine the most suitable product to apply and determine application rates.
- Must have the ability to diagnose crop needs and requirements, and act in a timely and correct manner to address all situations.
- Must be a motivated self-starter and able to direct the work force in a productive manner from all planting through harvest situations.
- Computer literate, proficient recordkeeper and familiar with all laws and regulations pertaining to greenhouse production and food safety matters.
- Must be knowledgeable in nutrient management programs for assigned crops, diseases, pest control, and ventilation, and in general monitoring of the health of all plants under his/her direction.
Responsibilities & Duties:
General Duties
- Provide advanced technical guidance to Greenhouse personnel in the proper maintenance and care of produce grown by Lakeside Produce.
- Assist in the development and implementation of new production plans.
- Observe that Work Safe Practices are being followed.
- Authorize all project personnel transactions, purchase requisitions, change requests, etc.
- Ensure all company, client, and project policies, procedures, standards, etc., are adhered to.
- Provide appropriate levels of motivation for staff.
- Resolve labor issues, and use appropriate levels of corrective actions.
- Interpret policies as required.
- Coordinate and participate in the planning and care of Greenhouse production.
- Together with the Farm Labor Coordinator: plan, coordinate and/or supervise activities of all company personnel on assigned project(s).
- Ensure all company, food safety, client, and project policies, procedures, standards, etc., are adhered to.
Crop Management Responsibilities – Growing
- Coordinate and participate in the planning and care of Greenhouse production with the assistance of the Farms Labor Coordinator.
- Instruct workers in cultivation requirements
- Apply pesticides and fungicides.
- Apply seeds, plants and fertilizers as directed.
- Inspect assigned areas for plant damage, disease.
- Recommend corrective actions such as removal of plants or remedial treatments as appropriate.
- Responsible for irrigation management, which includes collecting and assessing daily water sheets.
- Responsible for submitting water samples, interpreting results and adjusting fertilizers accordingly.
- Inspect assigned greenhouse areas on a continuous daily basis; identify moisture requirements, the status of the plant product and possible challenges/issues and document observations.
Crop Management – Labor
- Responsible for scheduling of crop work with farm labor coordinator.
- Responsible for monitoring that crop work is being completed in set time frames and done properly.
- Responsible for reporting any issues with assigned greenhouse laborers or quality of work to farm labor coordinator.
- Responsible for ensuring that employees use equipment appropriately and maintain equipment in good working order.
Production
- Responsible for production and harvesting forecasting.
- Responsible to work towards and achieve set harvest goals per crop.
- Collaboration/Professional Development.
- Responsible to attend all scheduled grower meetings and crop consultant’s visits.
- Responsible to ensure certificates are current and attend avenues for learning within field and networking.
Safety Responsibilities
- Responsible to ensure Health & Safety programs are followed.
- Responsible to ensure Food Safety policies are followed.
Recordkeeping, Tool & Technology
- Maintain field and project maintenance records as directed; prepare reports and analysis as requested by management.
- Complete, maintain, and monitor accurate production records and departmental paper trail requirements with the assistance of the Assistant Controller.
- Maintain all training paperwork for food safety, health and safety protocols, and training as required.
- Ensure that a full understanding and processes are within compliance with USDA, FDA, CFIA, OHSA, ESA, DOT, MDOT, Human Rights Commission, and MOL, WSIB.
Communication
- Maintain constant and daily communication with other departments that require regular input from the greenhouses.
- Communicate with external suppliers, labor work forces, and consultants, when required/needed, or under the guidance of the Head Grower/Farm Operations Manager.
- Report and request work orders for all maintenance issues related to the greenhouse be it structural, equipment, heating, or irrigation.
