Grower in Rochelle, Illinois

Grower Position

The Opportunity:

Our client, a major contributor in the agriculture sector, is looking for a Grower to join their team in Rochelle, Illinois. Reporting to the General Manager, the Grower will be responsible for leading all greenhouse crop production activities to achieve optimal yield, quality, plant health, and operational efficiency. This role combines strategic crop management, people leadership, environmental control, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure production targets are met while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and sustainability.

What You'll Be Responsible For:

• Leading all aspects of greenhouse crop production from planting through harvest.
• Developing and executing crop strategies that maximize yield, quality, and consistency.
• Monitoring crop performance and implementing corrective actions as required.
• Establishing and maintaining greenhouse climate, irrigation, and fertigation programs.
• Optimizing plant nutrition strategies to support crop health and production objectives.
• Evaluating crop performance data and making recommendations to improve outcomes.
• Supporting the introduction and cultivation of new crop varieties and growing methods.
• Managing greenhouse climate settings including temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting.
• Analyzing environmental data and adjusting strategies to improve plant performance and resource utilization.
• Optimizing irrigation systems and water management practices.
• Collaborating with Maintenance teams to ensure growing equipment operates effectively and reliably.
• Leading and overseeing the facility's IPM program.
• Monitoring pest and disease pressures and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
• Ensuring all pesticide and biological control applications meet regulatory and company standards.
• Leading, mentoring, and developing Assistant Growers, IPM Specialists, Supervisors, and Quality personnel.
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, quality assurance, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Supporting and maintaining programs related to HACCP, GMP, and other industry standards.

Qualifications:

The Ideal Candidate:

• Post-Secondary education in Horticulture, Agronomy, Agriculture, Plant Science, or other related fields.
• 5 - 7+ years of commercial greenhouse growing experience.
• Grower Pesticide Certification required, or the ability to obtain certification.
• Strong understanding of greenhouse crop production, plant nutrition, irrigation, and climate management.
• Experience utilizing greenhouse environmental control systems and production management software.
• Proven leadership experience in a production or agricultural environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Complimentary

Experience:

• Experience with PRIVA or similar greenhouse climate control systems.
• Knowledge of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technologies.
• Familiarity with food safety systems, HACCP, GMP, and GFSI-recognized standards.
• Experience leading large greenhouse production teams.

What's In It For You?

• Base Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000
• Annual Bonus Available
• Comprehensive Benefits
• 401K with Matching Available
• Opportunity to Work for a Rapidly Growing Company