Job Description

Junior Grower

Whole Leaf

Star Produce Ltd. (The Star Group)

Coaldale, AB

Status:

Full Time, Permanent

Wage:

Starting at $X based on qualifications and experience

Whole Leaf

, a division of Star Produce, is a world leader in sustainable greenhouse-grown, one-of-a-kind leafy greens. With over 11 acres of growing space, we are the exclusive grower of Inspired Greens and Inspired Leaves, and our lettuce is grown sustainably year-round. Robotic equipment is used to ensure that our many varieties of lettuce are untouched by human hands throughout their life cycle in the greenhouse. With products listed at all major retailers and foodservice companies, Whole Leaf continues to set a high bar as the best greenhouse-grown greens available anywhere.

Focus

The primary focus of the Junior Grower is to ultimately provide support to the Growing Team to grow high-quality lettuce and specialty leafy greens for wholesale and retail distribution and sale. Consistent with the planned production schedules and monitored by the Head Grower, a team of Growers ensures that quality and yield expectations are achieved through precise monitoring of the automated technologies that control all stages of plant growth, from seeding through to harvest. Automated technologies in our greenhouse include robotic seeding, transplantation and spacing, nutrient delivery, irrigation, lighting, climate control, and crop monitoring.

Key Accountabilities:

Work cross-functionally with all greenhouse staff and optimize the operation of seeding line equipment, germination room management, and the robotic equipment that spaces, transplants, and delivers plants to harvest Actively participate in crop inspection and data analysis, monitoring and maintaining plant health (pests/disease, size/weight, growth speed, etc.) throughout the lifecycle of the crop for different plant varieties Control and operate components of the greenhouse climate and energy control system (example: ventilation, variable speed fans, adiabatic cooling, heating, CO2 source and distribution, energy and light mitigation screens, hybrid artificial lighting, etc.) Control and operate components of the nutrient film technique (NFT) irrigation system (i.e., source, captured, recirculated and wastewater, etc.) and fertigation Participate in variety selection and monitor trials Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of data-driven growing strategies Optimize yield and quality Participate and support Food Safety protocols and initiatives Participate in and champion ongoing training, continuous collaborative learning, and professional development opportunities for all members of the greenhouse team Actively promote a culture of teamwork and interdepartmental collaboration to build smooth and efficient operations Assist growing team members, operators and maintenance when needed Assist with crop registration and data collection Assist in controlling the state and optimal performance of technical equipment in the greenhouse Make (mix) stock solution nutrition tanks Performs other duties as required

Key Attributes and Skills:

Collaborative team player who can solve problems and take ownership of core responsibilities, while encouraging staff at all levels and across all departments to learn and participate in our success Outstanding technical and professional communication Ability to create realistic plans and meet deadlines under stress and with interruptions Flexibility - this is not a nine-to-five role Learns and adapts to new concepts quickly Open-minded team player Hard worker Excellent attitude, proactivity, teamwork, innovation, honesty and resilience Able to manage staff with good leadership skills

Education and Experience:

Completed post-secondary education in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field of study Knowledge of plant nutrition, physiology and crop protection Experience working in an open field agriculture, landscaping or Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) setting is considered an asset but not required, as we are willing to train the right candidate Demonstrate the ability to understand and apply complex horticultural equipment and technology, preferably in a commercial greenhouse or production environment preferred

Working Conditions

Hours may be irregular and in excess of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Work outside ordinary office hours (including weekends and holidays) may be required.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in hot and humid climates found in greenhouses. Capable of lifting materials or objects weighing up to 25 kg or more Ability to walk in narrow gutters daily to inspect the crop Ability to climb ladders at least 4 meters tall

About the Star Group

We love fresh produce!

The Star Group

operates in every facet of the produce industry, growing fruits and vegetables in our Canadian greenhouses, partnering with growers across Canada and importing the best and freshest from around the world. Our brands are Just Picked, Big Taste and Inspired Greens, and we believe our products are raising the bar for Canadian produce. If you embody our values of Passion, Persistence and Teamwork and would like to be part of the future of food in Canada, we would love to meet you!

We invite you to visit our website to obtain more information about our companies, divisions, brands and products - www.starproduce.com

Why Us?

Competitive pay and benefits Positive and fun work environment Opportunities for professional growth and development Be part of an exciting industry!

How to Apply

Please submit your resume in

PDF file format

in confidence. If you are submitting a cover letter, please attach it as a separate PDF with your name on it. While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Extended health care On-site parking
Application question(s):

What is the highest level of education you have completed? Briefly describe your experience with complex horticultural equipment & technology. Please state your salary expectations. Are you capable of working in a hot and humid environment for an excess of 8 hours per day for 40 hours per week?
Experience:

Greenhouse: 1 year (preferred) Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA): 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person