Assistant Grower

This is an entry level position that requires 1-2 years experience as an Assistant Grower. The role of the **Assistant Grower** is to **support the growing team** to ensure plant conditions meet VBN quality standards in an efficient way for Shipping and Production while maintaining inventory accuracy.

**Van Belle Nursery Young Plants** is located in Old Clayburn Village where the scenery is beyond beautiful. At this location **we propagate 400+ varieties **of plants, many of which are highlighted in our show garden. Van Belle Nursery practices **open book management**, sharing the financials and giving employees a stake in the outcome through a profit sharing program. We’re committed to the **strong culture** that has been cultivated through five Core Values: _**Best Effort, Always Positive, Respect People, Find A Better Way, and Do It Well**_. Every employee is responsible for protecting and contributing to our culture by living these Values.

**Goals for this role**:

- Support the Growing Team in the implementation of a successful production of high-quality plants, on schedule in the quantities requested by the Sales team
- Optimize environmental control through Argus/Hunter to provide conditions that are most favorable for maximum yield
- Be an active backup for the Growing and IPM team

**Responsibilities for this role**:
**Plants**
- Help to maintain up-to-date procedures and documentation of growing techniques; with the supervision of the Senior Grower/Grower
- Constantly monitor crops and bring suggestions to the Senior Grower/Grower to make adjustments to achieve production goals.Support all growing activities in propagation or finishing including:

- Water, Nutrition, Pruning, Sanitation and Weed management.
- Planning proactively to space, move, force, and winterize crops
- Ensuring all growing tasks are completed efficiently and on time for production or shipping needs
- Updating Standard Operating Procedures for each stage, including reviewing and updating yearly

**People**
- Ensure staff are well-trained
- Ensure equipment, and machinery is operated in a good and safe condition
- Report health and safety concerns to the Safety Committee

**Finances**
- Help to monitor the growing budget and forecast
- Responsible for inventory accuracy of plants (numbers, locations, ready dates)and growing supplies as these directly affect the balance sheet

**Assist the Senior Grower/Grower with other duties as assigned**
- Update crop yields in Plantango for newly stuck crops, as outlined by the Production Plan.
- Participate in the development of new trials and requested documentation.

**Working Conditions**
- Be prepared to work additional hours as required; especially during seasonal demands from March through July, spraying duties may need to take place in evenings and weekends
- Employees provide own rain gear, work gloves and safety footwear (per OHS 8.2)
- Agree to follow and demonstrate the company core values
- Work in adverse weather conditions and be physically able to meet demands such as standing for long periods of time, repetitive bending, twisting and pulling
- Van Belle Nursery is a smoke free workplace.
- 1 -2 Year of growing experience with ornamental nurseries/vegetable crops or in the horticulture business.
- **Certificate, Diploma, Degree in any field of Agriculture / Horticulture.**:

- Spanish skills are an asset.
- Basic knowledge of Argus/Priva - climate systems is an asset
- Strong leadership and organizational skills
- Experience leading teams of 5+ is an asset
- Ability to multi-task effectively with excellent attention-to-detail
- Excellent problem solving and communication skills

**We Offer**
- Opportunity for advancement. We promote 60% of our positions internally.
- A positive and dynamic work environment
- A competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
- A company benefit package including extended health, dental and vision coverage
- A company profit share program;
- Additional benefits available after 3 years + of continuous employment.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 - 60 per week

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Profit sharing
- RRSP match
- Vision care

**Experience**:

- Growing: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person