Junior Grower

**Job description**:
Nature Fresh Farms is a Leamington-based greenhouse company with facilities in Leamington, ON and Delta, OH. Our company and its innovative, dynamic team is expanding every day, growing new plant varieties and introducing cutting-edge ideas and practices to the fresh produce industry. However, at Nature Fresh, we don’t just grow plants - we also grow people. Our team is passionate about bringing the highest quality products to consumers, but it is also committed to creating an inspiring, diverse, and team-oriented workplace environment that everyone can enjoy. Nature Fresh Farms is a recognized leader within the greenhouse farming industry - join our team and help us continue to grow

We are currently looking to fill permanent full-time positions for a Junior Grower within our greenhouses.

**Job Details**

The Junior Grower will be learning and supporting the Growers with all growing aspects; growing high crop production yields and good quality vegetables.

**Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to**:

- Inspect the crop daily to check the status of the plant health, possible challenges/issues.
- Look for and learn crop behavior, vegetative and generative growth, nutrient deficiencies.
- Make observations and analysis from the crop regarding pruning, leafing, and picking to determine next strategies
- Mix fertilizers as per instructions given by Operational Growers. Ensuring mixing room is always kept clean and organized.
- Reviewing the crop on a weekly and monthly basis with consultant to enhance growing techniques and procedures.
- Daily collection and testing of drip and drain water.
- Weekly collection of water, leaf, and fruit samples for analysis
- Interpreting results and adjust fertilizer recipes as per consultant guidelines
- Collect weekly crop registration such as plant growth, leaf length, set fruit, fruit weights etc.
- Scouting for pests and disease and collaborating with the Biological Department.
- Responsible for washing and sterilizing the greenhouses at the end of each crop season.
- Help with planting and ensure the greenhouse is ready for planting.
- Rotate On Call schedules for afterhours and weekends.
- Bioreactor duties:

- Monitor Bioreactor levels and temperatures
- Mix Fertilizers for Bioreactor
- Collect samples from Bioreactor weekly and send out testing
- Read and interpret data on samples for proper nutrient levels
- Remove sludge from the Bioreactor throughout the week
- Routine cleaning of Bioreactor
- Training with the alarms

Must comply with all Health and Safety, Food Safety, Bio Security, and Nature Fresh Policies and Procedures.
- Additional duties as required

**Job Requirements**:

- A diploma in botany, horticulture or agriculture is an asset but not a requirement
- 3+ years of growing experience is required
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize duties
- Good communications skills both written and verbal are needed to work effectively with all levels of employees and management.
- Willingness to learn and grow in the position
- Functional experience with Microsoft 365
- Strong communication skills both verbal and written

**Working Conditions**:

- Must be able to stand/walk for extended periods of time; some bending, crouching, kneeling, and working at heights may be required.
- Will have exposure to various pesticides and insects including bees.
- Climates within the greenhouses can vary from cold to very warm and can be wet or humid at times.
- The Junior Growers work week is from Monday-Saturday. After hours, on call, weekend and holiday hours may be required.
- Working with various types of people/cultures in a team setting

**Salary**:Based on experience.