Job Description

Pacific Plug & Liner, a sister company to Smith Gardens, has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Head Grower to join our team at our Watsonville, CA Site. 

Pacific Plug & Liner was founded in October 1999 and is located on the beautiful California Central Coast with a climate ideal for plant and flower production. We have approximately 290,000 sq. ft. dedicated to growing young plants. Pacific Plug & Liner features a state-of-the-art production facility, ensuring consistent and superior quality.

JOB SUMMARY:  The Assistant Head Grower is responsible for ensuring the quality and consistency of the cultural techniques used in our production. The Assistant Head Grower will actively lead the Section Grower and IPM teams with a focus on producing quality Plugs, Liners, Tissue Culture, and Finished crops on time and in full.

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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:​

• Collaborate with Head Grower to ensure environment and cultural needs are met for superior quality, yield, and timing. 
• ​Collaborate with Head Grower to develop and maintain section growers. 
• Participate in crop walks such as Trim/Pinch, IPM, QC etc. as directed by Head Grower.
• Support all aspects of Tissue Culture, Vegetative, Seed and Finish crops
• Communicate in a timely manner on potential crop questions and issues. Work proactively with Head Grower to find solutions and take necessary actions to solve or minimize potential challenges. 
• Maintain and update PPL Grower’s notes.
• Oversee monthly MPS reporting.
• Collaborate with Production to troubleshoot crops and communicate to QC on any quality issues. 
• Lead weekly grower huddles and training (safety, 6s, PHA etc.)
• Assist in managing IPM (Integrated Pest Management) program that uses biological and conventional controls.
• Collaborate with Head Grower on PGR (Plant Growth Regulator) SOP and help monitor implementation.
• Lead IPM Coordinator in training new team members to participate in pesticide applications and scouting.
• Oversee chemical application and record maintenance. 
• Collaborate with Head Grower to evaluate systems and equipment for functionality and upgrades
• Oversee TPM of equipment and systems
• Oversee training of growers on new and existing equipment by creating and implementing SOPs
• Oversee presentation of IPM and soil testing results 

COMPETENCIES:

• Articulating ideas, providing direction, and fostering open dialogue among team members and stakeholders.
• Building strong relationships, promoting teamwork, and leveraging diverse skills for collective success.
• Pursuing personal and professional growth, encouraging learning in others, and adapting to industry changes.
• Foster and promote a safety culture.
• Efficiently manage time and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Develop and implement plans to improve shipping processes and efficiency.
• Clearly convey information and instructions to team members and other departments.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external customers
• Analyze data and situations to identify problems and opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and systems.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, customers, vendors, and other departments.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree or 3-5 years of experience in preferredfields include Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management preferably in the horticulture or agriculture industry.
• 2-3 years experience with propagating material from TC, Vegative Cuttings and Seed.
• Proven experience in a supervisory or managerial role, including managing teams and coordinating operations.
• Proficiency in logistics and shipping software, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work long hours as needed during busy season, including some weekends
• Work in both an office and greenhouse environment
• Lift up to 30 pounds

BENEFITS:

• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance and Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) with employer contributions
• 401K retirement plan options with employer match
• Paid holidays
• Paid Time Off- Full-time employees accrue immediately!
• Annual Profit share
• Generous Employee Flower/Plant Discount Program
• Development opportunities
• Paid Time off for volunteering and community service
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness program
• ​Fun employee events throughout the year

PAY RANGE: 90K - 115K per year

Pay rate is determined by various components including, but not limited to, experience, skills, qualifications, relevant education, certifications, seniority, and location. The pay rate is one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards vary by position and location.

To learn more about our company & view a more detailed job description, visit our website at  smithgardens.com/careers. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Smith Gardens provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

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