Grower
Whole Leaf
Star Produce Ltd. (The Star Group)
Coaldale, AB
Status: Full Time, Permanent
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.
**The greenhouse is located outside of Coaldale and we ask that individuals have reliable transportation to and from work**
Focus
The primary focus of the 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
- 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 working
- Excellent attitude, proactivity, teamwork, innovation, honesty and resilience
- Able to manage staff with good leadership skills
Education and Experience
- Completed post-secondary undergraduate degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field of study
- Extensive 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
- Demonstrated ability to understand and apply use of complex horticultural equipment and technology in a commercial greenhouse or production environment preferred
Working Conditions
- Continuous, physical work performed in a hot and humid greenhouse environment
- Hours may be irregular and in excess of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week
- Work outside ordinary office hours (including evenings, weekends and holidays) may be required
Physical Requirements
- Stand and walk for extended periods of time
- Safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly throughout a shift
- Balance – safely walk along narrow gutters to inspect the crop
- Safely climb ladders/stairs up to 4 meters tall regularly throughout a shift
- Bend, crouch, kneel, and crawl regularly throughout a shift
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.
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you now or will you ever require authorization or employer sponsorship to work in Canada?
- What undergraduate degree and major have you completed?
- How many years of Greenhouse experience do you have?
- How many years of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) experience do you have?
- Briefly describe your experience with complex horticultural equipment & technology.
- Please state your salary expectations. Vague responses like “negotiable” or if left blank may eliminate your application from consideration.
- Do you meet the physical requirements and understand/accept the working conditions listed for this position?
- The greenhouse is located outside of Coaldale. Do you have reliable transportation to get to and from work?
Work Location: In person
