Lead Grower

Company Description

Who are we:

From a humble beginning in 1988 with six nurseries, PRT has grown into North America's largest grower of forest seedlings, having grown over 6 billion trees. With 27 Nurseries & 14 Seed Orchards across the US and Canada, we annually cultivate over 630 million high-quality seedlings, playing a vital role in reforestation and sustainable forestry. We're driven by a passion for environmental stewardship and a commitment to nurturing relationships, driving excellence, and fostering a people-first mindset, all to make a difference for a greener future.

Here's what you can expect when you join PRT

• Competitive Compensation & Financial Growth: Earn a competitive hourly rate with the opportunity to earn piece rates.
• Career Development & Learning: Grow your skills and advance your career with personalized guidance and a learning-focused culture that prioritizes continuous development.
• Stable, Inclusive & Collaborative Environment: Join a year-round stable company where your voice matters in a collaborative and inclusive work environment .
• Make a Difference for the Planet: Contribute to environmental sustainability and a passion for nature solutions.

Job Description

A Day in the Life:

PRT is currently recruiting a full time Lead Grower to assist with the many different aspects of nursery responsibilities at PRT Campbell River in Campbell River, BC. The person in the Grower position assists with the production of quality forest seedling crops by applying effective forest nursery practices and principles. This position provides an opportunity to operationally assist, co-ordinate and train forest nursery workers in required nursery work activities.

This engaging, high paced, physical position offers a safe work environment and an opportunity for a career that will make a positive change in the world. Candidates should have a desire and keenness to learn about the nursery activities, work independently and efficiently. Regular work hours are 40 hours per week with varying shift times by grow season, weekend work and shift work are required. Exposure to hazardous materials (pesticides and fertilizers), loud noises and temperatures extremes may be required. The Grower’s work environment includes the office, production warehouse, shop areas, and outdoors. Some experience and education in Horticulture is preferred but full training will be provided. Candidates may be interviewed and tested to assess their skill, ability, competence, and efficiency for this position.

Key accountabilities of the Grower are:

• Implementing water, fertilization and greenhouse cultural programs as indicated on Crop Prescriptions.
• Operating the Argus Environmental Control System for irrigation, climate, and alarm programs.
• Monitoring the growth of seedlings through morphological measurements and tissue nutrient analyses.
• Making insect and disease inspections and implementing methods of control.
• Keeping neat and accurate records including computerized record keeping systems.
• Inspecting, repairing, and replacement the Argus monitoring equipment and software as needed.
• Supervising and training seasonal irrigation employees.
• Training nursery workers on safe and efficient work practices in weeding, quality control, and cultural practices.
• Following a company directed Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for pesticide application.
• Providing feedback on growing programs to the Production Manager on a regular basis.
• Cleaning and replacing filters.
• Inspecting injectors, irrigation lines and mixing equipment for wear and proper function.
• Assisting with crop and growing material inventories.
• Promoting collaboration and teamwork at all levels
• Setting targets (i.e., production, timelines) and evaluating achievement

Career video for a (Grower) profile can be seen here!

About the team:

The person in the Grower position will work alongside other nursery workers under the supervision of the Operations Manager. 

Qualifications

What YOU bring to the table:

Required/ Minimum Qualifications & Skills:

• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation
• Knowledge of greenhouse equipment and climate control systems
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to work independently
• Strong and professional communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
• Great organizational and record keeping skills
• Ability to provide basic maintenance of greenhouse, irrigation facilities, and equipment
• Ability to climb, stand and stoop for an extended period of time
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Pesticide Applicator Certificate
• A degree in horticulture-related field or forest seedling nursery work experience
• Greenhouse monitoring software and hardware experience, preferably Argus

Salary information : $32.49/hr union negotiated rate + performance bonus

Additional Information

Next Steps:

Ready to grow your career with PRT?

To apply please send your resume directly to us through our career portal at; Grow Your Career | PRT Growing Services Ltd.

We embrace openness and diversity of thought for innovation and growth. We seek different perspectives to challenge conventional approaches and continuously improve our company’s performance and progress. We believe that openness and diversity of thought help us drive innovation, make better decisions, achieve effective stewardship of our business and enable our people to thrive.

We encourage you to connect with us at [email protected]for more information about our accessible workplace, including disability accommodation for the recruitment process and beyond.

Still Want to learn more?

Follow us on Instagram: @TrustedToGrow,

Facebook: @PRTGrowingServices,

LinkedIn: @PRTGrowingServices.

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