Our Business is Growing! Smith Gardens, a wholesale greenhouse specializing in the production and sales of annuals and perennials, has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Head Grower to join our team at our Marysville, WA site.
The Assistant Head Grower is responsible for insuring the quality and consistency of the cultural techniques we use to grow our crops. Also, responsible for making sure the details of the growing operation are not missed. The majority of time in this position will be spent in the crops supervising and training Section Growers and Irrigation Staff, helping manage their time and prioritize their daily tasks, scouting, identifying issues with crops, working with the IPM Coordinator, and performing culture trials (GR, fertilizer, dry down, temperature trials).
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and in writing, in person, and via phone or radio with all levels of staff.
- Bilingual (Spanish) preferred, both verbal and written.
- Strong leadership, teambuilding, and interpersonal skills.
- Positive customer service attitude and work ethic.
- Maintain worker protection standards, promoting a safe work environment.
- Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize for results within a fast-paced working environment.
- Effective time management with the ability to balance floor and office time.
- Oversee the Sections Growers.
- Help coach, train, and enforce the proper use of irrigation tools and equipment.
- Purchase watering supplies as needed (water breakers, shut off valves, hose washers, watering wands, etc).
- Purchase and maintain EC, pH, and alkalinity testing supplies.
- Coordinate and assist in developing a sampling list for tissue and soil sampling.
- Do Crop Culture trials under the direction of the Head (GR trials, dry down trials, chemical drench trials, fertilizer trial, etc).
- Oversee and/ or apply beneficial insects.
- Maintain the health and quality of liners that are received.
- Help to determine what needs to be cut back or growth regulated.
- Help prioritize what needs to be planted based on holding ability and size of liners.
- Create and post a work schedule for all Section Growers and irrigators.
- Work with the Head Grower to identify areas in need of improvement.
- Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field, three years’ industry experience, or an equivalent combination.
- Comprehensive knowledge on production of quality plant material.
- Two years’ previous supervisory experience.
- Experience with perennials and annuals are required.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
- Pesticide applicator’s license (can be obtained once hired).
- Knowledge of biological controls and IPM programs.
- Knowledge of PRIVA and ARGUS environmental control systems.
