Crop Care Specialist at Plenty in Chester, Virginia

Job Description:

About Plenty


Plenty is on a mission to make fresh and clean fruits and vegetables more accessible to everyone. Our cutting-edge indoor, vertical farms produce extraordinary yields using a fraction of the land and water outdoor farms need. Nutrient-rich, mouth-watering and locally grown, our crops help people, communities and our planet to be healthier and more resilient.

The people and teams who make up Plenty are at the core of how we do this. We are a collaborative and innovative bunch. We are passionate about our contributions to Plenty, the communities around us and our planet, but never take ourselves too seriously. We're down to Earth, we grow together, and we always find a way. Most importantly, we are growing for a better tomorrow, today.



About the role


Plenty is looking to hire 4 Crop Care Specialists to join our Farm Operations team. The Crop Care Specialist position is a hands-on, physical role to support in the harvest of vertically planted strawberries and is done with accuracy and speed. Must be comfortable with working indoors at heights up to 40 feet.



What you'll do

• Hand-pick and inspect strawberries with use of both hands
• Use tools to prune and cut plants
• Pack out strawberries into appropriate containers as defined in the specifications and according to Company standards
• Operate a scale and metal detector daily to obtain proper weights
• Transplanting and installing strawberry plants into the farm grow space
• May use sharp pruning tools while standing, reaching up, with some bending down
• Continual visual examination of product to determine if product is right for harvesting
• Operate a scissor lift to access strawberry plants at heights up to 40 feet
• Use hands and arms to handle product
• Ensuring that all food safety policies are followed and that all safety procedures are followed to reduce the risk of any type of injury
• Assist with clean-up as needed
• Other duties as assigned. Schedules will be reviewed periodically and are subject to change based on business needs

• Experience in food production is a plus
• Must be able to communicate effectively
• Basic math skills
• Ability to use scales and computers
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours which will most likely include weekends and holidays
• Ability to do heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds) and comfortable working in tight spaces
• Ability to practice safe work habits in a food safe work environment at all times.
• Ability to use personal protection equipment properly
• Commitment to workforce safety guidelines as well as food safety practices
• Self-starter, gets involved quickly, takes on difficult tasks with enthusiasm
• Maintains stable and professional performance under pressure
• Ability to effectively take direction and implement changes quickly
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to work in produce freezer environments - as low as 32 degrees
• Ability to work in a scissor lift and at heights up to 40 feet
• Bilingual in Spanish and English a plus

• Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF regulations
• All applicants must be 18 years or older to apply
• Comply with GMP/GAPS in the Facility
• Conduct monitoring activities to assure finished product complies with food safety and quality specifications
• Assist in the maintenance of Food Safety and Quality system

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  Compensation: we'll pay you a competitive wage on a biweekly basis, give you a stake in the company via equity and contribute toward your 401K
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  Health & well-being: we'll invest in your physical and mental well-being with comprehensive medical, dental, & vision benefits, along with support for your mental health through Spring Health and financial wellness through LearnLux. Plus pet insurance for your furry family members!
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  Food: in-office snacks and access to our leafy greens & new produce in development -- are you up for a side gig as a taste tester?
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  Grow together: learning & development opportunities including unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning, team lunch & learns, training certifications, and more
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  Equipment: we'll provide you with the equipment you need to be successful, including $75/month toward your home internet and phone bills and $250 every 2 years to upgrade your phone
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  Paid time off: we know you'll do your best if you're taking time to recharge, so we offer 2 weeks of paid time off + 6 days of paid sick leave per year + 2 days for floating holidays + holiday pay on holidays we observe
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  Parental leave: 12 weeks off for all eligible new parents - fully paid so you can focus your energy on your newest addition