Horticulturist III , Aurora Full Time

Horticulturist III , Aurora

• General Information
  • Job Title:
  • Horticulturist III
  • Location:
    • 18000 East 40th Avenue
    • Bldg 23
    • Aurora, CO, 80011
    • United States
  • Base Pay:
  • $18.00 / Hour
  • Employee Type:
  • Full Time
  • Required Degree:
  • 4 Year Degree

Description

COMPANY:
Headquartered in Orlando, FL, Kalera is a science and technology-driven company dedicated to growing the very best possible produce; it is smart horticulture at its best. As the technology leaders in urban vertical farming, Kalera focuses on clean, safe, healthy, tasty greens and on the efficiencies of growing locally in controlled environments. Founded in 2010, Kalera has, over several years, perfected unique hydroponic growing methods combining optimized nutrients and light recipes, precise environmental controls, and clean room standards to produce safe, highly nutritious, pesticide-free, non-GMO vegetables with consistent high quality and longer shelf life year-round. With indoor facilities situated right where the demand is, Kalera can supply an abundance of produce locally, eliminating the need for long distance shipping. This means Kalera can ensure the highest quality and freshness by delivering product to customers within hours of harvest year-round. Kalera’s plants grow while consuming 95% less water compared to field farming. Kalera has recently opened a new state-of-the-art growing facility in Orlando, FL. With an annual output of over five million heads of lettuce per year, this new facility is the highest production volume vertical farm in the Southeast US. The rapidly constructed facility also demonstrates Kalera’s ability to quickly build and open farms around the US and internationally. Having recently announced new facilities in Atlanta , Houston and Denver to open in early 2021, Kalera has aggressive near-term expansion plans both domestically and internationally .

 For more information please visit www.kalera.com

Horticulturist III

Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science or related field (Biology, Horticulture Science, Environmental Science) and/or equivalent in professional horticulture experience.

REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS : The Horticulturalist III reports to the Lead Horticulturalist, under the Plant Science Department.

Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science or related field (Biology, Horticulture Science, Environmental Science) and/or equivalent in professional horticulture experience.

Requirements

Job Description and Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Horticulturist with the training, supervision, and management of horticulture team.
• Lead the team and ensure the completion of assigned tasks on days when Lead Horticulturist is not present.
• Assist Lead Horticulturist in communicating and coordinating with maintenance teams to ensure the health and success of crops and crop systems.
• Assist the Lead Horticulturist in ensuring the adherence and development of Standard Operating Procedures.

Nutrient Analysis and Management

• Supervise the nutrient management process and recipe amendment based on data.
• Perform calculations to determine amendments to nutrient solution and execute required changes.
• Oversee and ensure proper functioning of critical irrigation systems required for nutrient management.
• Follow all safety requirements and utilize PPE to handle hazardous materials (acids/chemical inputs) to balance tanks and maintain correct pH range and EC targets.
• Complete inventory of items and resources for cultivation and nutrient management analysis.
• Inspect, clean, and calibrate nutrient dosing equipment.

Scouting and Crop Monitoring

• Scout crops to identify incidence of insects, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and mechanical issues.
• Input data regarding scouting notes and crop issues.
• Complete daily inspections/checklists of growing areas and equipment.

Cultivation

• Manage the chemical usage and prepare solutions for production team.
• Carry out irrigation activities for propagation area under the guidelines of Lead Horticulturist.
• Assist with cleaning and maintain hydroponic systems as needed.
• Assist production teams as needed.

Food Safety

• Enforce strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Sanitation and Safety Standards.
• Responsible that the operation is fully compliant with all regulations related to food safety
• Responsible for adherence and proper record keeping for Food Safety Best Practices.
• Communicate issues that may contradict current, standard food safety practices.
• Responsible that food safety standards are maintained for nutrient management activities.