One Floral Group is a wholesale flower producer that provides tailored floral solutions to retail customers throughout North America and is one of the fastest-growing producers of floral products. Our business has over four million square feet of growing and production space in more than six facilities in three different climate zones. We have the ability to grow and build a variety of products, including potted plants and planters, outdoor lawn and garden plants, and vegetable propagation in the best conditions.
The company is seeking to hire a Head Grower for our Gaffney, South Carolina, facility. Under the direction of the Director of Operations, the ideal candidate will oversee the production of crops for 8 acres of greenhouse and 6 acres of field. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing all phases of propagation of bedding plants, pot flower crops; calculating all fertilization rates including growth regulations and pest control products; work with Master Planner to plan and coordinate greenhouse mapping and crop timing; maintain and monitor all Ministry of Environment records and make any corrective actions; research and introduce new items. This position is very dynamic, with respect to its focus, with the requirement to prioritize constantly. It is expected that this position “leads by example” with respect to motivating staff, and facilitating change.
Core competencies required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture or similar
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a Grower with supervisory experience of Growing personnel
- Must have plant propagation experience in flower production
- Must have flowering/blooming crops
- Experience with PRIVA or Hoogendoorn an asset
- Proficient computer skills, especially Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
- Excellent communication and follow-through skills
- Detail-oriented and extremely organized
- Proven analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision, showing initiative and good judgement
- Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons - hours may vary and be able to work extended hours during peak harvest periods, weekends, Holidays
- Ability to adapt in a quick and positive manner
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks and requests
- Ability to relocate to South Carolina. Facility located 10 minutes away from the downtown of Gaffney, 30-40 minutes away from Spartanburg and Greenville, and only one hour away from Charlotte, NC.
Primary Responsibilities
Supervision/Leadership and Communication
- Manage and coordinate departmental growth strategies and activities.
- Actively participate in helping the company achieve strategic goals and continuous improvement objectives.
- Implement strategic direction for growing at the facilities, in conjunction with leadership and planning teams.
- Train team members and develop new growers as need and ensure adherence of company policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Ensure compliance with the Ministry of Environment, follow, and adhere to the Certificate of Approval.
- Responsibilities within the program relating to pest control management and record keeping for Greenhouse paperwork compliance.
- Confer with Master Planner to obtain data such as new commitments, status of work in progress and changes to existing business plan.
- Prioritize work and functional activities with the partnership of the Production Supervisor.
- Evaluate current growing procedures and develop and implement improved processes for growing new varieties to accomplish business and department objectives.
- Manage after hours on call problem solving with Maintenance and Green Team.
- Other duties as required.
Productivity, Efficiency and Quality Control
- Monitor daily activities to determine opportunities for improvement in productivity, efficiency and quality.
- Make recommendations on chemicals and fertilizers as needed.
- Produce spray forecast according to the crop survey schedule.
- Manage and promote integrated pest control programs, give advice and instruction to growers on biological and pesticides and their impact on growth.
- Monitor all greenhouses (climate control, air, lighting, watering, general growth, pests, diseases, greenhouse structure, and machinery) by touring daily, and make written notes to present to growers at the daily meetings.
Company Cooperation
- Two-way communication to ensure clear expectations and stablish accountability to achieve the desired outcome.
- Review, communicate and ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures as required.
- Communicate with other departments or own employees to establish and meet common objectives.
- Provide a weekly/monthly activity report to the Director outlining activities, key challenges and crop growth.
- Collaborate with company departments to ensure the execution of marketing initiatives and the smooth operation of business functions.
Health and Safety
- Maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
- Recognize unsafe conditions and practices, and make corrections to prevent injuries and property loss.
- Follow and enforce Health and Safety policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook, the Occupational Health & Safety Act, and other relevant codes and standards.
- Promote, monitor, and participate in safety programs and training.
Working Conditions
- Various physical efforts are required.
- 50 hours a workweek with overtime when needed as well as shift work.
- Weekends and holidays required when necessary to meet business/customer requirements.
- Work is mainly performed in a greenhouse environment.
- Travel required meeting business/customer requirements.
Additional Information
- Hours of work: Varies based on seasonal needs
- Vacation: 3 weeks of prorated vacation
- Personal day: 2 days per calendar year
- Health benefits at 2 months