Grow Technician 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 for a Grow Technician to join our Grow team. The Grow team coordinates all aspects of growing processes as well as assists in cross departmental activities in a modern, high-technology hydroponic farm.If you are a proactive, operationally focused individual that thrives in a fast-paced environment, you've found the right place!



What you'll do


This will be a hands-on role where you will be managing grow processes monitoring and controlling plant nutrition and health and operating and managing high-intensity plant production equipment.

• Assist growers complete pest and pathogen scouting and documentation of plant health as well as reporting assistance for growth trials
• Interact and handle sanitation chemicals using proper worker safety standards.
• Interfacing with crop care specialist, maintenance, production supervisor and warehouse operations to ensure smooth operation of farms.
• Aiding Grower on crop experiments and research trials.
• Collecting and sending out samples for lab analysis
• Monitoring plant systems outside of preventative maintenance
• Ability to operate scissor lifts, fork lifts, pallet jacks, ladders, power tools and small electronics like water quality sensors to enable day to day job functionality.
• Keep track of filter performance and change filters in nutrient spaces.
• Mix and load pesticides in a boom sprayer.
• Handle fertilizer salts, fertilizer liquids, acids and pesticides daily/weekly.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferably with 2 years of horticulture experience preferred. PAC- Private Applicator Certification preferred but not required.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to correlate trends with plant health.
• Ability to practice safe work habits in a food safe work environment at all times. Leads with proper use of personal protection equipment, workforce safety and food safety practices.
• Familiar with standard data analysis products like google sheets or excel, and comfortable with basic presentation skills.
• Self-starter, gets involved quickly, takes on difficult tasks with enthusiasm.
• Effective communicator, actively listens, and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Maintains stable and professional performance under pressure or opposition.
• Ability to take direction and implement changes quickly and accurately.
• Ability to work in tight spaces.
• Ability to push, pull and lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work in freezer environments - as low as 32 degrees.
• Ability to work at heights up to 40 feet.
• Pesticide requirements- some may require the use of a respirator.

• 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/PPE requirements in the Farm.
• 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 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