**Title:**Grower

**Based at:**Wheatley, ON; must live in close proximity in order to respond to alarms and emergencies in a short period of time.

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

Mucci Farms part of the Cox Farms Family is The Place to Grow! At Mucci Farms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way fruits and vegetables are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great-tasting fruits and vegetables, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give our employees the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world!

Position Summary:

The Grower will be responsible for managing all environmental controls of the greenhouse using Priva greenhouse environmental control software. This individual will work closely with Mucci Farms Head Grower to determine ideal computer set points and ensure proper conditions are achieved. They will coordinate all aspects of the product development in the greenhouse. They will coach and mentor Assistant Growers and others in the greenhouse to achieve financial and company goals. The greenhouse operation will grow up to 44 acres over 2 plants.

Position Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Growing responsibilities:

• Daily review of the development and growing of the plants in the greenhouses and identify plant needs and indications of disease
• Daily review and adjustments of the strategies for climate (Ventilation, Temperature, CO2, HR, VPD, Artificial Lightning and Curtains) and irrigation management according to the specific crops needs using the automated systems available at the facility
• Weekly review of water analysis results for Feed, Drain and Slab, to establish adequate level of elements in the fertilizer mix
• Daily review of pH, EC and drainage percentage to make effective adjustments in fertilization according to the crops needs
• Review the Pests and Diseases Monitoring data and establish the strategies for Pests and Diseases Management
• Calculate the proper doses and spray volumes for pesticides applications
• Monitor the effectiveness of the strategies used for the pests and diseases management
• Operate and maintain all the operational equipment used in a greenhouse environment including irrigation, fertilization, weed and pest monitoring and control, etc.
• Conduct a weekly Crop Registration to generate growing trends and accurate production projections
• Determine the appropriate time for each Crop Maintenance activity and ensure that the jobs are correctly done properly and timely
• Calculate and purchase all the supplies needed for the greenhouse operation such as Seeds, Plants, slabs, Fertilizer, Pesticides, Bio-controls, and any other supply used in the Growing Process
• Record, analyze and present the data resulting for trials or research taking place in the Greenhouses.
• Respond and resolve Systems Alarms on a timely manner
• Participate in frequent follow up meetings to review relevant information about growing, production, labour, cost projections, challenges and solutions
• Be an active professional seeking for information and advice that could lead to improve processes, increase yields and obtain better product quality year after year, keeping a cost effectiveness approach

Labour Management and Team Leading:

• Must understand the processes and the objectives pursued by the Performance Programs to be an active trainer for the Labour supervisors and the general workers
• Must be committed to being an active leader of the team, planning and directing activities in the Greenhouses in an organized and efficient manner
• Establishing schedules and personnel needs, communicating the work plan daily to Labour Supervisors and ensuring that they carry out the work plan with success, efficiently and timely
• Manage the offshore workers schedule to ensure the crop is supplied with proper amount of personnel for the year
• Assess training needs of staff and develop or find training programs and arrange for or provide appropriate instruction
• Conduct several meetings through the year to explain performance trends, motivate employees and address company’s expectations about performance and quality
• Maintain high standards of conduct and professionalism and lead team to success
• Control pests by implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Control environmental conditions by regulating humidity, ventilation, and temperature utilizing Priva climate control software
• Communicates cultural or plant issues to management immediately
• Responsible for troubleshooting crop issues and diagnosis of unknown health or damage problems
• Maintain records of crop activities and observations, including pesticide applications and growth records
• Delegate and set routines for Assistant Growers
• Know specifications for each crop
• Follows growing schedules by determining schedules with Head Grower
• Must have previous responsibility for ensuring the products are free of insect pest and disease, (IPM)
• Will be required to get a pesticide license for the province
• Help to troubleshoot greenhouse mechanical/environmental control systems
• Aid in the training of Assistant Growers and others
• Grower will support the Head Grower and will be accountable for operating expenses, for quality and for the operation of the facility
• This includes production (WIP and people) planning and reporting, plant performance, labor management, balancing inputs, throughput & demand, and facilities maintenance.
• Operate and maintain equipment used in greenhouse operations including irrigation, fertilization, weed and pest monitoring and control, etc.
• Work efficiently and independently within a team environment
• Maintain high standards of conduct and professionalism and lead team to success

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Qualified candidates should possess a minimum of a 4-year degree in horticulture and/or related sciences
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in commercial production of plants using soilless culture in environmentally controlled greenhouses
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in controlled environment agriculture and hydroponic production of food crops
• Previous Priva experience a plus
• Experience with biological control agents (BCA’s) and knowledge of IPM required
• Successful candidates will have strong knowledge of nutrient management and hydroponic nutrient solutions
• Must have a strong understanding of plant growth and interaction with varying environmental conditions and requirements
• Must be familiar with horticultural nomenclature.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written, oral and spoken) in English; additional languages (Spanish, is strongly preferred)

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 14kg/30lbs; and occasionally up to 23kg/50lbs
• Able to climb stairs and stand on feet for an extended period of time
• Must be able to work in a temperature-controlled environment of approximately 25˚C/80˚F

Compensation for this role:$105,000.00 - $110,000.00, Benefits, onsite parking, company perks, paid vacation

**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 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 is achieving a culture and work environment that is supportive of employees with disabilities and promotes dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.