Assistant Grower

Title: Assistant Grower

Reports to: Grower Manager, Production Manager.

Based at: Kingsville, Ontario; must live in close proximity in order to respond to alarms and emergencies in a short period of time when needed.

Type of Employment: Full time, permanent, 6-7 days a week (as required); often extended hours depending on workload and priorities, and on-call when needed.

Primary Job Function:

All the duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Grower are prescribed by the Grower, therefore in each activity described below the Assistant Grower must adhere to protocols and procedures as instructed by the Grower.

Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Resolve personnel problems by analyzing data, investigating issues, identifying solutions, and recommending action.
• Evaluate performance and quality of work of the greenhouse employees, conducting meetings to address concerns related to behavior, results, performance or quality of work and provide the coaching necessary for the achievement of new goals.
• Initiate and conduct disciplinary processes when necessary, according to company standards of conduct and performance, and when company rules or regulations are ignored or violated.
• Assist in identifying training needs and perform training as required.
• Ensure all protocols and procedures of Food Safety and, Health and Safety are strictly followed by greenhouse employees.
• Identify the need of training or re-training of greenhouse employees and ensure or coordinate the necessary steps to make it happen.
• Receive the orders of fertilizers and mix of fertilizers, ensure the proper disposal of containers and keep the Fertilizer Room clean and organized.
• Daily collection of water samples for testing pH, EC and drainage percentage to present to the Grower.
• Weekly collection of water samples for lab analysis of Feed, Drain and Media.
• Clean, maintain and repair the irrigation systems and its parts such as Irrigation lines, valves, diaphragms and filters.
• Inspect, clean and/or refill probes, thermostats, heating valves etc.
• Clean and maintain all the equipment related to bio or chemical application/spray to the crop or for disinfection of infrastructure.
• Collect information about coming orders of bio controls and/or bees and ensure they are distributed and placed correctly and timely.
• Monitor the effectiveness of the pollination.
• Monitor the effectiveness of the biological or chemical treatments.
• Apply and mix pesticides or other treatments as needed.
• Calibrate sprayers and ensure volumes and doses used are according to Grower’s recommendation.
• Ensure the proper washing and disposal of pesticides containers in compliance with the Pesticide Act Regulations.
• Control the Inventory of Personal Protective Equipment such as spray suits, masks, gloves, etc.
• Control the Inventory of Pesticides, must keep monthly inventory updated.
• Ensure spray applications prescribed by the Grower are done correctly, safely and timely.
• Keep record of all the treatments in the proper forms with all information needed.
• Communicate to the Grower any indications of pests and diseases.
• Keep record of all the variables needed in any trails or research taking place in the facility.
• Weekly collection of data for Crop Registration.
• Remove diseased plants for testing or disposal.
• Support the jobs of cleaning, disinfection and planting of the Greenhouses at the end/beginning of each crop cycle; must learn to operate machinery and know all the procedures in these kinds of jobs.
• As Assistant Grower must be familiar with all the systems and procedures of the Greenhouse to be able to act as an alternative when a Grower, or a Labour Supervisor or a Scout are absent.
• Must understand the processes and the objectives pursued by the Performance Programs.
• Assist with the implementation of a Food Safety Program.
• Must promote a safe and secure workplace environment.
• Maintain high standards of conduct and professionalism.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum 2-years of experience as Assistant Grower in a high-tech glass greenhouse environment.
• Familiarity with Computers.
• Must be familiar with horticultural nomenclature.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written, oral and spoken) in English; additional languages (i.e. Spanish, will be considered an asset).
• Post-secondary education is considered an asset.

Physical Abilities:

• Must be able to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with body, arms, and/or legs.
• Must be able to lift material regularly up to 14 kg / 30 lbs; and occasionally up to 23 kg / 50lbs
• Able to climb stairs and stand on feet for an extended period of time.
• Work in a temperature-controlled environment of approximately 13 ˚C / 55 ˚F.

Job Requirements: The incumbent will be committed to customer service excellence and leading by example. A positive attitude in the workplace is required as is the ability to adhere to all human resources, operational and food and health safety policies and procedures.

Note: this description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. Responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined and other duties may be assigned.

Mucci Farms welcomes and encourages applications with disabilities to apply. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require a specific accommodation due to a disability or documented medical need, please contact the Human Resource Department so that arrangements can be made for the appropriate accommodation. Mucci Farms is achieving a culture and work environment that is supportive of employees with disabilities and promotes dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.