Grower Intern

Green Circle Growers was founded in 1968 by John van Wingerden. With just a few acres, Green Circle Growers began selling to other companies like variety stores, lumber yards, hardware stores, and grocery stores. Today, Green Circle Growers is still owned and operated by the van Wingerden family and has grown to over 150 acres of indoor growing space. Our state-of-the-art greenhouses offer many different environments to keep up with the demanding mix of products that today’s market expects.

We now provide plants to regional and national stores across the United States and Canada. We are able to market and offer broad products to mass merchants, as well as to growers. The retail market expects the full line of annuals in flats, containers, and baskets. The grower line produces pre-finished containers, plugs, and liners.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Green Circle Growers’ (GCG) Grower Internship Program provides students pursuing degrees in Horticulture or a related field with the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience at one of the largest greenhouse operations in the Midwest. As an industry leader, GCG is committed to innovation, efficiency, and environmentally responsible growing practices.

Throughout the program, interns will work alongside experienced Growing staff to mentor and guide them through key aspects of greenhouse operations. This immersive experience is designed to strengthen students’ technical knowledge while preparing them for successful careers in horticulture.

JOB DUTIES:

• Assist with plant care including watering, spacing pots/trays, and moving tables
• Gain hands-on experience in managing greenhouse climate conditions to support the growth of a wide variety of plant species
• Scout crops for insects, diseases, and overall plant health
• Aid greenhouse research by running plant health trials, collecting data, and assessing the effectiveness of different growing methods and treatments
• Assist with biological control programs by releasing beneficial insects, monitoring their effectiveness, and recording data to support sustainable pest management practices
• Support greenhouse upkeep to ensure smooth growing operations
• Assist with soft chemical applications
• Maintain compliance with all safety regulations
• All other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS AND

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Horticulture or other related field program
• Knowledge of or ability to learn insect and disease scouting practices
• Ability to utilize academic knowledge to support the Growing team in routine tasks related to crop production
• Capable of working in a fast-paced, physically intensive environment
• Flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities throughout the workday
• Strong verbal and/or written communication skills
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT & REQUIREMENTS:
• Production facility, occasionally outside, or in-store;
Possible extreme heat and cold dependent on season
• Continuously requires ability to follow verbal and written direction
• Frequently requires walking, lifting (up to 50lbs), carrying, reaching, kneeling, pushing and pulling (up to 200lbs), bending, and crouching
• Frequently requires sitting, standing, fine dexterity, climbing, and handling
• May require ability to operate machinery, drive vehicles, or use equipment such as hand tools, computers, or general business equipment