Position Title: Head Grower
Department: Cultivation
Reports To: Director of Cultivation
Position Type: Full-time, Salaried Exempt, Benefit Eligible
How We Operate (The Verdes Standard):
1.) Exceed expectations: We set the bar high, and we want you to take it even higher. Do the little things, and the big things, that blow people away.
2.) Get better every day. We value continuous improvement.
3.) Show initiative. See something, do something. You are responsible for making things better.
4.) Demonstrate integrity. Do the right thing, own up to mistakes, and keep commitments.
5.) Engage in courageous conversations. Speak honestly and directly, clear is kind.
6.) Be responsive. Respond within 24 hours to queries and concerns
Position Summary
The Head Grower oversees all aspects of Verdes' commercial growing facility operations and people management. This pivotal role is responsible for achieving operational efficiency to achieve maximize high-quality crop yields and holds the team accountable to our highest standards of farming practices in compliance with all state regulations and company quality and safety standard operating procedures.
Collaborates with members of the Executive Leadership, Human Resources, Internal Audit Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Marketing Manager, Facility Maintenance, and members of the Cultivation team
Responsibilities/Essential Functions-
Commercial Grow Operations
· Responsible for overseeing the operational organization and planning for the commercial growing facility to ensure optimal growth and yield of cannabis crops at desired production levels and quality standards.
· Creates and implements efficiency standards for all cultivation related tasks and schedules, nutrient and watering schedules, cloning activities, pest management and resolution protocols.
· Trains and holds team members accountable for the correct and timely documentation of all cultivation related tasks, maintaining optimal environmental controls, and plant inventory and tracking in SharePoint, Dutchie, Bio Track systems and logs to ensure compliance.
· Identifies crop readiness for harvesting for maximum potency and flavor profile.
Facility Operations
· Responsible for cost, labor, and waste management in line with budgetary objectives.
· Responsible for the ordering of all supplies, materials, tools, and equipment for the facility.
· Evaluates building (external/internal structures), equipment, and tools for repairs and maintenance.
· Ensures that facilities and company assets are always secured.
· Occasionally operates a forklift (must have documented training on file). · Performs facility opening and closing duties, responsible for alarm system monitoring.
People Management
· Upholds all company policies and procedures through consistent, ongoing job training, and sets clear expectations to build a productive and skilled team.
· Performs personnel activities including interviewing and selection, performance evaluations, performance management, employee relations, etc.
· Performs payroll related activities including creating work schedules based on business needs, approving timesheets, overtime, PTO requests, submits pay change requests, etc.
· Ensure that all team members adhere to the company's established protocols, policies and procedures relating to workplace expectations, health and safety, and quality standards
Physical Requirements:
· Prolonged periods of walking, standing, lifting, and moving items.
· Must be able to remain stationary, while performing repetitive motion activities for extended periods of time
· Can repetitively lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds at a time.
· Must be able push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, & reach to care for plants and arrange them within designated rooms/areas.
· Must be able to work in adverse environmental conditions including hot, humid, and cold temperatures; confined spaces, tolerating strong odors and bright lights with appropriate Protective Personal Equipment (PPE), etc.
· Must be able to work around live & dry plants some of which can be irritants to the skin, eyes, ears, and nose.
· Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
· Degree in Horticulture or related field or three to five years of related work experience or equivalent combination of education and industry experience.
· A minimum of one to two years of supervisory experience, conflict-resolution skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, high accountability, attention to detail, excellent time management and organization skills.
· Excellent knowledge of the cannabis plant, its growth requirements, and disease management.
· Excellent knowledge of indoor farming methods.
· Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel, and SharePoint
Hours: Full-time, up to 40 hours/week. Floating schedule including weekends and holidays. Consecutive scheduled days off is not always possible.
Benefits:
It is the policy of The Verdes Foundation to provide equal employment (EEO) 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, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, The Verdes Foundation, will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.