Field Vegetable Grower

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Position Purpose:

Reporting to the Greenhouse Manager, the Field Vegetable Grower is responsible for cultivating plants for various research and commercial purposes. They are required to grow vegetable crops and cut flowers using traditional and modern techniques under the direction and supervision of the Greenhouse Manager.

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks

• Develop, implement, and follow safety policies and regulations.
• Determine the demand of the market and plan the cultivation accordingly.
• Regularly scout for pests and disease and use appropriate control methods when necessary.
• Inspect the tractors, irrigation equipment, hand tools, implements, and other farm facilities to check for disrepair and maintain them properly.
• Clean and maintain all farm equipment, and be familiar with the operation of tractors, mowers, and other appropriate farm implements.
• Understand appropriate harvest and packing methods for a wide variety of vegetable and floriculture crops.
• Be familiar with market-garden style cultivation, raised-beds, and traditional row-based cultivation.
• Understand the benefits and implementation of cover crops, plastic mulch, row covers, and insect netting.
• Be comfortable planning for and utilizing organic and conventional fertilizers and pest control strategies.
• Undertake any other responsibilities as said by the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Growers should have expertise in various gardening and horticulture techniques.
• Optimize the process of growing vegetable crops at the farm.
• Identify appropriate vegetable crop species and germplasm resources.
• Develop and/or identify appropriate production requirements (i.e. fertilizers, plastic or organic mulches, coverings, plant spacing, light requirements, harvest interval, etc.) for specific vegetable production systems.
• Develop standard protocols for vegetable crop production and propagation for use at farm.
• Identify and develop appropriate plant architecture for use in production systems.
• Identify product shelf life for vegetable crops.
• Be well versed in the various disease and pest control techniques by using pesticides and medicines, while avoiding causing ecological harm.
• Apply existing theories and scientific methodologies from relevant, allied fields to estimate crop performance and productivity in different settings.
• Maintains an inventory of chemicals.
• Collects, measures, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records.
• Tabulates and summarizes data using personal computers and software.
• Develop new knowledge on vegetable crop production and propagation.
• Has a basic knowledge of computers so that the records can be properly maintained.
• Good communication and interaction skills.
• Should be able to work in damp and warm conditions.

Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or equivalent two (2) + years of farming experience or:
• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and five (5)+ years of farming experience preferred.

Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License and Insurance.

Conditions of Employment:

The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma operates a drug-free workplace.

• May be required to submit to and pass applicable drug tests and background checks.
• Adhere to all work rules, policies & procedures, and safety standards.
• Efficiently follow general shop safety rules and regulations. Maintain a safe and healthy work environment including wearing Personal Protective Equipment.

Work Requirements:

Position involves prolonged sitting, stooping, bending, lifting, or carrying up to 50 pounds on a daily basis. Work is generally performed in an outdoor environment with varying levels of lighting, air quality, noise, and/or temperature. Work shifts may potentially cover weekends and holidays, as needed.