Assistant Grower

About Us

At Freeman Herbs, we inspire food experiences through fresh, high-quality potted herbs and food products. Rooted in humility and authenticity, we are committed to excellence in everything we grow and do. Our team thrives on creativity, innovation, positivity, and having fun while working together. Every day, we strive to make a meaningful impact on our employees, families, customers, and communities - and we are always looking for motivated team players to grow with us and help bring our core focus and values to life.

Job Overview

The Assistant Grower is responsible for ensuring Freeman Herbs has healthy and pest free crops. The Assistant Grower will maintain a low pest count and work on future methods of control.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Help create and maintain the overall Greenhouse Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan.
• Follow daily and weekly biological control plans and make sure all tasks are completed.
• Keep biological controls healthy from the time they arrive until they are placed in the greenhouse. Make sure they are stored at the correct temperature and humidity.
• Manage the banker plant program and make improvements when needed.
• Check all required greenhouse areas for pests and beneficial insects. Record findings in computer programs and use the information to decide where biological controls are needed.
• Replace all sticky cards and record the information in the tracking system.
• Create and maintain an IPM tracking system based on feedback from the growing team and the short- and long-term goals of the position.
• Work with growers to plan for new plants arriving at the greenhouse.
• Work with growers to create plans to prevent and control pests that may enter the greenhouse with new plants.
• Work with growers to find the best temperature, humidity, and growing conditions for IPM.
• Keep track of spray room supplies and make sure all products are in good condition.
• Keep the spray room clean, organized, properly labelled, and at the correct temperature.
• Understand pesticide information, including which products to use for different pest problems, with guidance from the Organic Grower.
• Complete all required pesticide paperwork, including safety records and application tracking.
• Order all greenhouse IPM supplies, including biological controls, spraying equipment, and chemicals.
• Get approval from the Organic Grower before placing orders.
• Attend and take part in grower meetings. Listen to feedback and look for ways to improve IPM processes.
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and safe.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Horticulture degree or diploma a strong asset.
• Valid Pesticide/Spray license.
• Fluency in the Spanish language, an asset.
  

Experience:

• Previous greenhouse and/or IPM experience required.

Skills:

• Strong analytical skills.
• Self-motivated, demonstrated leadership skills.
• Must be organized with an attention to detail.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Skills in following safety practices and recognizing hazards.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Available to work rotating weekends for watering.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy at Freeman Herbs. We thank all candidates for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations

At Freeman Herbs, we are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and a supportive work environment. We are happy to discuss any accommodation needs and will make every effort to meet them in a timely manner. Please advise the Human Resources Department if you require accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process and/or within the work environment. All accommodation-related information will be treated confidentially.