Job Description

Core Responsibilities

A. Food Safety & Compliance

• Food safety is paramount to our business and will be of the utmost importance. The Hydroponic Associate will help foster a culture that puts customer safety as a top priority.

• Adopt and comply with all food safety requirements, including USDA Harmonized GAP+ standards.

• Ensure compliance with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols and record pest monitoring data in Crop Health Form.

• Consistently follow PPE requirements for food and chemical safety.

• Maintain personal hygiene and adhere to farm sanitation practices to prevent contamination.

• Complete required logs, including pH and EC monitoring, cleaning records, and crop health forms.

B. Crop Cultivation & Management

• Monitor plant growth and health, including checking for signs of disease, nutrient deficiencies, and pest activity.

• Cross-train and manage workflow processes from seeding, transplanting, harvesting, to packaging.

• Execute transplanting, pruning, and harvesting activities based on production schedules.

• Maintain accurate records of seeding, transplanting, growth stages, and yield data.

• Conduct daily pH and EC level measurements and make necessary nutrient adjustments.

• Ensure proper spacing and placement of crops within the hydroponic system to optimize yield.

C. System Maintenance & Sanitation

• Operate system machinery in a safe and efficient manner.

• Perform regular system checks to ensure optimal water circulation, nutrient distribution, and aeration.

• Clean and sanitize cultivation panels, irrigation lines, reservoirs, and other hydroponic equipment per the Farm Maintenance procedures.

• Assist in calibration and preventative maintenance activities per the Farm Maintenance and Preventative Maintenance SOP.

• Document and report system issues requiring repair or maintenance.

• General cleanup of the farm facility.

D. Inventory & Supplies Management

• Track and report inventory levels of fertilizers, seeds, and other cultivation supplies.

• Assist in ordering and restocking essential materials to prevent operational disruptions.

• Follow proper storage guidelines for hydroponic nutrients and farm supplies.

E. Data Collection & Reporting

• Record environmental data, including temperature, humidity, and light conditions, for analysis.

• Log yield metrics, including total yield, marketable yield, and waste yield, to support farm optimization efforts.

• Assist with analysis and recommendations for crop performance improvements based on recorded data.

F. General Farm Operations

• Participate in routine team meetings to discuss crop progress and operational improvements.

• Support farm-wide initiatives, including new crop trials and system upgrades.

• Assist with packing and distribution as needed, ensuring that harvested crops meet quality standards.

• Ability to work unsupervised for short periods of time.

• Ability to read and follow standard operating procedures.

• Willingness to raise issues with supervisors and management.

• Assist in driving a company culture of responsibility, collaboration, and mutual support.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Skills

• Prior experience with hydroponic farming or controlled environment agriculture is preferred.

• Knowledge of basic plant biology, hydroponic nutrient management, and water chemistry.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standardized protocols.

• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, physically active setting.

• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and cultivation methods.

• Good communication skills and ability to address workflow issues with management.

Additional Information

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Reliable and consistent attendance.

• Agility and the ability to change tasks as needed based on the needs of the system.

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. intermittently.

• Able to work effectively in a range of temperatures (warm clothing provided when needed).

• A personality that helps foster an enjoyable and productive work environment.

Performance Metrics & Evaluation

• Accuracy and consistency in executing crop care activities.

• Compliance with food safety, sanitation, and maintenance protocols.

• Efficiency in recording and reporting essential farm data.

• Contribution to overall yield improvement and waste reduction efforts.

• Reliability in maintaining hydroponic system function and cleanliness.