Head Grower

POSITION: Head Grower (NOC 80021)

COMPANY NAME: Bevo Farms Ltd.

BUSINESS ADDRESS: 7170 Glover Road, Langley, BC Canada V2Y 0W9

COMPENSATION: CAD$35 per hour

BENEFITS: Extended health benefit plan; Company RRSP program

PAID VACATION: 15 days per annum

REPORTS TO: Director of Growing

LOCATION OF WORK: Langley, BC

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time Permanent

**ABOUT BEVO FARMS LTD.**

Bevo Farms Ltd is the largest supplier of propagated plants in North America, providing greenhouses, field farms, nurseries, and wholesalers across the continent with healthy, vigorous, pest-and-disease-free plants. Bevo operates four facilities in the lower mainland of British Columbia and one facility in Edmonton, Alberta; the predominant operations site consists of 38 acres of indoor, climate-controlled greenhouse space, dedicated shipping and receiving bays, and newly renovated office areas.

Working at Bevo is to become a valued member of a team and organization that takes pride in the well-being of employees, generates input and feedback from all levels of staff, and continuously seeks to innovate, grow, and overcome new challenges. We need exceptional people working alongside us, providing energy and enthusiasm, as we continue to prosper together.

**SUMMARY**

We are looking for a dedicated Head Grower to join our team. The Head Grower will be responsible for planning and directing day-to-day greenhouse operations and related production for the facility in Langley. Working under the direction of the Director of Growing, BC, your primary responsibilities include establishing and maintaining ideal growing conditions, organizing and directing greenhouse operations, and supervising the team of Growers. The expectation is that all tasks are completed in a timely manner and in accordance with Bevo quality standards.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Establishes effective procedures to coordinate and manage through the Growers, all aspects of seeding, sticking, pruning, fertilizing, watering, lighting and temperature control, etc.
- Alongside the Director of Growing, the Head Grower is also responsible for product planning including seeding timelines, plant distribution and spacing according to customers’ orders.
- Monitor crops for problems related to the above including use of greenhouse equipment, space allocation and facilities, and coordinates/delegates with the Growers, specific adjustments and corrective actions, including pest management.
- Establish optimal growing conditions and perform routine detailed inspections of crops for timely identification of problems and growth control.
- Provides supervision and training to Growers, Assistant Growers, and production staff to perform required duties and to ensure systematic back-ups are developed.
- Maintains and reviews with the Director of Growing, BC the necessary records and corrective actions for quality non-conformance.
- In conjunction with the Growers, communicates labour requirements to hire and/or assign greenhouse personnel to achieve proper scheduling for workloads, training, appropriate safety measures, and supporting the motivation of the team
- Reviews daily and weekly greenhouse production performance of the facility with the operations/production teams
- Ensures records and growth logs for tracking climate settings, changes, spraying, biological introductions, irrigation cycles, and other important relevant to each product are maintained by the Growers and the Assistant Growers
- Ensures sound hygiene and housekeeping practices are in place and maintained throughout the facility
- Directs the Growers to implement routine procedures to ensure safe working conditions and that safe and WCB compliant working practices are understood and adhered to. Take immediate actions on unsafe or improper work practices.
- Provides effective leadership to the Growers and Assistant Growers and takes proactive steps to develop the skills in assigned personnel. Conducts all necessary performance reviews in accordance with Bevo’s Human Resource policies.
- As requested by senior management, assists in evaluating the need and justification for new equipment, mechanization or improvements in technology.
- May undertake visits to or from customers to review their requirements and to offer technical support
- Continuously assess and improve greenhouse operations, including data-driven analysis and experimentation, to optimize crop yield, quality, and efficiency
- Manage greenhouse finances related to labour budgets, plant sales forecasting, and cost controls, to maximize profitability

REQUIRED SKILLS
- Minimum college diploma in agricultural studies
- Minimum 1 years of supervisory experience in the agricultural industry
- Experience with greenhouse production and management including the ability to coordinate and supervise operational tasks, planning, and crew supervision.
- Familiarity with budgeting and work planning processes.
- The ability to work with mínimal direct supervision.