Full time
Reports to Senior Director of Research Operations

POSITION SUMMARY

GreenVenus, LLC is focused on accelerating innovation in agriculture with proprietary products and platforms enabling sustainable food production for a growing population. With next generation plant propagation, PrimaVera™ precision genetics and speed breeding, and technologies for hybridization of crops, GreenVenus seeks to improve the quality of food for consumers while preserving valuable natural resources.

The Plant Growth Operations Manager will be responsible for plant health for a range of growing environments, including aeroponics and hydroponics to support GreenVenus. As the foundation of research operations, this position is critical to the success of GreenVenus projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and oversee implementation of the protocols for all grow tasks including but not limited to planting, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, staking, isolation bagging, pesticide application, and removal of dead plants/tissue.
• Develop protocols and oversee the implementation for plant seed harvest, cleaning, and storing. Perform regular QC/QA for seed vitality.
• Responsible for plant health through IPM system, managing environmental conditions, sanitation, etc.
• Familiar with aeroponics, hydroponics, and container systems (soil, coco, peat, etc.).
• Knowledge and experience monitoring and adjusting pH, EC, and PPM.
• Responsible for discerning various plant diseases, disorders, and deficiencies along with the best practices to mitigate them.
• Able to maintain and manage controlled growth facilities in a clean and organized, professional laboratory-like work environment.
• Develop processes and oversee the implementation for sanitizing, stocking, organizing, and maintaining an inventory for pots, flats, and other planting supplies.
• Responsible for space planning and forecasting.
• As directed by the Director of Research Operations and/or Director of Technology, collect and record data concerning crop production, nutrition, crop trials, and greenhouse environment.
• In-vitro seed germinations and maintaining stock plants as and when needed.
• Responsible for reporting all the relevant grow operations and monitoring on a regular basis.
• Oversee the development, implementation, maintenance of grow protocols and nutrient regiment.
• Responsible for monitoring and responding to various environmental alarms.
• Responsible for growth facility maintenance and troubleshooting as required.
• Ensure proper use of all PPE.
• Add constant improvement and quality control processes.
• Participate in the site’s safety program.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to lead by example with a can-do attitude.
• Ability to motivate, inspire and coach hourly workforce.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff in daily tasks ensuring efficient pace, sound plant health practices, punctuality, and safety as directed by the Senior Director of Research Operations.
• Exercising discretion and judgement in setting goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with company’s plans and vision and communicating the goals to subordinates.
• Organize workflow and ensure that employees understand their duties.
• Monitor employee productivity and provide constructive feedback and coaching.
• Receive complaints and resolve problems.
• Cascade information from upper management to employees and vice versa.
• Decide on reward and promotion based on performance.
• Hire and train new employees.
• Ensure adherence to legal and company policies and procedures and undertake corrective actions as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• BS or MS in one of the disciplines like soil sciences, agronomy, plant physiology, or plant pathology or equivalent working experience.
• Minimum 4 years relevant experience in a farm and/or plant growth facility environment.
• Pesticide Applicator Certificate (optional)
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a supervisory role preferred.
• Experience following duties and regulations of an EH&S Program
• Expertise in Microsoft Office suite of programs including Excel, Outlook, Word, etc.

DESIRED KEY COMPETENCIES

• Well-developed interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with and coordinate demands from multiple customers, both internally and with partners.
• Attention to detail and ability to effectively perform designated tasks according to a Standard Operating Procedure.
• Problem-solving skills and foresight- capable of identifying areas of efficiencies.
• Great multitasking abilities and enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable maintaining, troubleshooting, reading operating manuals or contacting technical support.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates the highest ethical standards, integrity, trustworthiness and have a high degree of personal responsibility.
• Ability to work after hours, including weekends and holidays on an as-needed basis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is outdoors or in a greenhouse environment where they may be exposed to extreme hot or cold weather and very bright or very dim lighting conditions.
• Occasionally wear personal protective attire.
• Occasionally work physically near others.
• Frequent: Speaking; hearing; sitting; use of hands/fingers; handling or feeling objects, tools or controls; close vision; color vision; peripheral vision; ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional: Standing; walking indoors; reaching with hands and arms; stooping; kneeling; crouching; lifting and/ or move up to 60lbs.
• General: Moderate noise level, like a typical office environment with computers, printers, and light traffic. • Infrequent: travel to field sites

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Drivers’ license GreenVenus, LLC Confidential HR Forms – rev. 05222024 Accelerating the Green Revolution™
• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check and drug screen.

Work Authorization: U.S. Work Authorization
Start Date: ASAP
Position: Full time
Compensation: Salary range of $70,000 to $85,000, with a competitive benefits package.
Location: Davis, CA, USA

To apply

Pleasse email resume and cover letter to work@greenvenus.com with “Plant Growth Operations Manager” in the subject line