Grower Technician

Department: Greenhouse Supervisor: Lead Grower Production Stock Direct Reports: None FLSA Status: Non-Exempt PRIMARY PURPOSE AND FUNCTION: The Grower Technician assists the Section Grower and Lead Grower in ensuring all plants produced in the greenhouses at Walters Gardens are grown to the highest quality standard and in a safe, efficient, and economical way.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Moisture Management Monitor crops daily to determine when to irrigate plants based on growing environment, plant needs, and moisture levels Learn different varieties, sizes, season cycles, and water patterns to achieve a proper and even moisture level throughout crops Operate, maintain, and schedule all irrigation systems Communicate with Section Grower and Lead Grower for specific water, environmental, and special application needs daily and before weekends/holidays Participate in Friday, weekend, and holiday watering schedules Fertility Management Read, assess and coordinate weekly media testing and water sampling Schedule and apply fertilizer and/or other nutrients weekly based on media testing results Learn and understand the different fertilizer blends and rates Choose between fertilizer blends and rates for optimal plant nutrition based on media testing and water sampling results Learn the season cycles and sales programs in order to keep crops on schedule Sanitation Scout weekly for algae, liverwort, and weeds in and around the greenhouses Apply sanitation techniques to control algae and liverwort growth Remove and destroy all weeds and liverwort as they are observed Keep greenhouse aisles and floor matting free of debris Make herbicide applications around the greenhouses as needed Additional Duties Participate in chemical applications of plant growth regulators, fungicides, and insecticides Monitor crops and coordinate mowing/pruning as needed Assist with mowing and moving of plants as needed Observe and communicate any pest and disease issues to the IPM Team, Section Grower, and Lead Grower immediately Communicate any other problems or concerns to Section Grower and/or Lead Grower immediately Other duties as assigned KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 2 years of horticulture education or experience Basic organizational and math skills Computer skills (including Microsoft Office) Ability to be on your feet for 9 hours each day Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50lbs) Available to work on weekends as needed Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred