Position Summary: 

The Head Grower is a senior leadership position within Vertical Harvest Maine whose primary role is to manage all aspects of crop production (planting and cultivation) to achieve best in class yields and quality. The Head Grower is a critical position that provides assistance and leadership aimed at helping Vertical Harvest Maine achieve its organizational objectives.The Head Grower is responsible for the overall health of plants and prevention of damage from human contact, structural contact, disease or pests.  The Head Grower will also undertake the research and analysis of horticultural problems, providing advanced technical support to all farm personnel and management. 

Essential Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management

1. Manage the growing team on a day-to-day basis, including both technical guidance in growing topics, as well as mentorship and coaching
2. Create and sustain a culture of excellence, inclusion, and continuous learning
3. Continuously foster emergent talent and build the bench of growing talent

Yield & Quality

1. Oversee yield & quality for all crops to achieve company targets
2. Use data-driven approach to manage all areas of crop production
3. Climate Management & Irrigation Schedules
4. Oversee climate strategy for all plants and compartments
5. Determine optimal settings for all farm equipment and irrigation
6. Evaluate climate strategy impact on energy use and yield

Farm/Growing Area Management

1. Oversee and determine all cultural practices for young plant production
2. Oversee IPM Program – compliance, record keeping and IPM strategy
3. Monitor functioning of greenhouse, production and irrigation equipment regularly with Maintenance Supervisor
4. Oversee plant nutrition program
5. Review crop schedules and adjust as needed for sales, operations or plant needs
6. Provide training to operations team as needed on crop-specific tasks

Requirements:

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS: 

1. Advanced Degree in Plant Science, Horticulture or related field
2. 3+ years of relevant work experience in a management position in commercial CEA production, preferably in leafy greens and herbs
3. Understanding of all aspects of crop production and growing in CEA
4. Strong computer skills with experience with climate control software platforms
5. Extremely well organized
6. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
7. Data-driven with strong problem-solving and analytical skills

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS: 

1. Safety-Centered Mindset
2. Decisive and action-orientation
3. Strategic systems thinker
4. Results driven, energetic, confident personality
5. Excellent communication & collaboration  skills
6. Able to work independently and as part of a team
7. Excellent record keeping / documentation / organizational skills
8. Able to manage, prioritize, and complete multiple projects simultaneously
9. Extremely observant, detail-oriented, and data obsessed
10. Comfortable in fast paced environment, flexible when demands change
11. Aware and inclusive of others
12. Embodies Vertical Harvest values of dynamic growth, inclusivity, ingenuity, transparency, empowerment, compassion
13. Reasonable accommodations may be made to empower individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions