Crop Physiologist – Job Description The Company AeroFarms is dedicated to enabling local production at commercial scale in different markets throughout the world. Specifically, we are focused on developing local farms that grow flavorful, safe, pesticide-free produce that can be easily traced from farm to fork through a simple and transparent supply chain. As we scale, we are looking for dedicated people who can help us address our global food crisis and fundamentally transform agriculture. AeroFarms is building a brand new state-of-the-art facility in Newark, NJ that will be the world’s largest indoor vertical farm for leafy greens and herbs and will serve the NY Metro area. To support substantial interest from national retailers, AeroFarms plans a significant scaling of the business, including facilities in additional cities in the near-term. In addition to North America, the company also has farms under development in other regions of the world. Role AeroFarms is the commercial leader in vertical controlled environment agriculture and is seeking an intellectually curious, outside the box problem solver. Able to question what you were taught about growing and learn a new language in the art of science of growing. This position will allow you to work on cutting edge solutions around influencing crop yields, flavor and nutritional density. You will collaborate with leading engineers and scientists in multiple fields. You will work in a high pace collaborative and fun team environment. You will build upon a culture where assumptions are challenged and team members hold each other accountable. The ideal candidate will have multiple years experience working with soil and soilless agriculture, ideally proficient in growing in closed systems with or without natural light. You will look for continuous improvement opportunities for innovative farming technologies. You should have a proven record for commercial growing for different varieties, ideally including baby leafy greens and herbs, with consistent production and delivery of high quality plants and produce year-round. Responsibilities 5+ years experience in horticulture space (hydroponics/aeroponics work necessary) Experience with controlled environment systems, including hydroponics, growing systems, and environmental control systems (e.g. Argus, Priva), preferably in a multi-level environment. Through knowledge of plant growing, disease prevention, and pest remediation, especially IPM principles. Experience growing in a closed environment (e.g. greenhouse) Ability to perform physical activity: lifting (up to 100 lbs. assisted); carrying (50 lbs.). Must have a valid driver’s license. Must have appropriate work authorization papers. Familiarity with Microsoft Office – Excel, Word, PowerPoint Masters degree in plant science related field. Passionate about helping people care about their food Qualification and Desired Skills Experience in growing baby greens, micro greens, living lettuces and herbs. Experience with scheduling planting and cropping to meet customer demand. Ability to instruct team on controls systems, fertilization, CO2, water, power, and environmental control. Experience in food safety and HACCP protocols and auditing practices. Comfortable working longer hours and being on call to attend to the farm holidays and weekends if necessary. License to operate heavy machinery. Management and Growing Duties Growing: o Manage year-round production planning. o Execute appropriate crop rotations, pest management, irrigation, fertilization, harvesting, and other cultivating techniques. o Take responsibility for and manage growing conditions and nutrient mixes for optimal production that enhances taste, nutrition, speed of crop turnover and overall quality. Management: o Work with marketing and operations teams to determine crops to be grown. o Confer with management to report conditions, plan planting and harvesting schedules, and to discuss changes in fertilizer, herbicides, or cultivating techniques. o Train employees in horticultural techniques, such as germinating propagating, harvesting, and grading & packing. o Keep up to date with developments and interests in the market and on other developments in horticulture applicable to company progress and excellence. Record Keeping o Keep detailed records of all harvested produce as well as all production budgets. o Provide detailed analysis of production records to meet marketing and management needs. Contact We look forward to hearing back from you. Please contact us at [email protected] with your resume and cover letter.
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