Assistant Grower

**Assistant Grower**

The Assistant Grower position is a vital aspect to achieving above-average production, keeping a consistent flow and creating a strong and healthy work environment. The Assistant Grower is aware of what is happening to their crop, they fully understand that the plants are the leading factor of the company, and they need to be treated as so. Every aspect related to the crop health, productivity and balance are his/her first priority and ultimate responsibility.

The Assistant Grower is a motor of change inside the company, actively searching for better ways of getting the job done, provider of solutions and reliable leader for their team. They are expected to have a strong command on PRIVA software, ability to setup irrigation schedules, climate settings (vents, curtain, heating, influences, etc.) and handle alarms by themselves. They must have solid experience with high-wire greenhouse production of tomatoes, practical knowledge of labor flow and activities intrinsic to the job.

For this position, you will be assigned a section, where we expect to see immediate ownership by the individual, taking responsible for the daily activities relating to crop health, irrigation, climate, and labor. This role relies on effective delegation to their teammates, who include labor supervisor, grower supports and other departments. As an Assistant Grower, you will need to develop a strong relationship with each teammate to provide ongoing direction, training, development, and encouragement that will result in each team member showing continuous improvement. Positive attitude, humble approach and cultural fit will also be taken into consideration during probation period.
- The Grower position at Truly Green Farms is achieved by proven site knowledge; ability to understand tomato plant balance and steer it as desirable; strong relationship with all departments; strong ownership of his areas; positive attitude towards the job and evident ability to make things happen_.

**Reports to**:
Lead Grower

**Reviews conducted by**:
Lead Grower

**Growing (70%)**

**Crop Health**:

- Daily crop walks to assess plant health by checking for nutrient and water levels as well as root quality
- Inspect the balance of the plant regularly and maintain for ultimate production output

**Irrigation**:

- Ensure irrigation is consistent at all times
- Adjust irrigation according to plant needs
- Ensure substrate moisture is sufficient
- Ensure sufficient fertilizer is mixed
- Order fertilizer according to recipe
- Maintain recirculation tank levels in a sustainable manner

**Climate**:

- Consistently walk through the crop to assess plant health pest presence and “real feel” of the climate
- Adjust the climate to ensure ideal settings are being maintained for ultimate crop health

**Pest Management**:

- Identify pest presence and move labour accordingly
- Receive regular update from scouting personnel
- Order necessary biological controls and chemicals to keep pest pressure low

Note: You will be required to actively participate in Priva alarm rotation schedule.

**Labour (20%)**

**Operational**:

- Proactively assess which tasks need to be completed weekly according to crop development
- Estimate task completion times to keep labour flowing effectively (i.e. plan switchovers for break/lunch times or beginning/end of the day when possible)
- Train supervisors on new tasks and methods as needed
- Enforce corrective actions as necessary in coordination with Human Resources

**Culture**:

- Create an environment of mutual respect between employees and managers
- Give regular feedback to supervisors on performance and concerns
- Conduct regular reviews with all required employees in coordination with applicable parties

**Miscellaneous (10%)**
- Inspect for structural damage or areas that need maintenance or repair; report any issues to maintenance team
- Discuss ways to mitigate production disturbances during maintenance procedures
- Labour reports: updates on year-to-date costs, labour needs planning
- Production reports: updates on year-to-date production, variety comparisons

**Food Safety**
- Ensure compliance of overall Canada GAP food safety program by being a good example
- Ensure that all cleaning forms are submitted regularly
- Ensure employees have proper materials to comply with food safety rules (i.e. blank copies of proper forms or access to electronic forms)
- Keep food safety forms up to date throughout the year
- Ensure all paperwork/electronic forms pertaining to food safety is submitted monthly
- Notify designated employees of food safety infractions (i.e. knife sanitizing stations)
- Ensure to always wear gloves when handling the product
- Ensure to always wash and disinfect hands after each break

**Assistant Grower Qualifications**
- Higher degree or equivalent experience on Greenhouse horticulture
- 2-5 years of experience in high-wire greenhouse production of tomatoes
- Availability to work weeken