Managing Grower

Company Overview 

Who is Costa Farms? We’re one of the world’s largest horticultural growers—but without an ego to match our acreage. Our headquarters are in Miami, Florida, where we were founded in 1961. Costa Farms started on just 30 acres, and over the last 60 years, we’ve grown to more than 5,000 acres around the world. We have farms in North and South Carolina, Central and South Florida, and the Dominican Republic, plus an office in China. Costa Farms now employs nearly 6,000 engineers, marketers, accountants/analysts, human resources professionals, and of course, growers and plant scientists! 

Here at Costa Farms, we live by the values of H3: being Humble, staying Hungry, and always Hustling. The team rallies to the mission of being a lean, green, growing machine dedicated to enriching the world by bringing plants into everyone’s life. 

True to that mission, we grow more than 1,500 plant varieties. Driven by the spirit of innovation, the team is always testing new plants and developing new solutions to make it easier for retailers and plant parents to enjoy plants. We’re also continuously testing different ways of growing our plants to increase quality and improve their ecological footprint as one aspect of our many sustainability efforts. 

We cultivate plants, as well as a winning culture. Join the team, and you’ll find opportunities to learn and grow. You’ll collaborate with other driven, determined people who together keep Costa Farms an industry leader. You’ll support and be supported by a team that cares about each other, our customers, our consumers, and our community. 

You’ll also find right away that Costa Farms is committed to providing a diverse environment. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, military status, marital status or veteran status, or any other group status protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Description 

The Managing Grower is responsible for overseeing the cultivation and production processes. This role involves managing the daily operations of growing plants, ensuring optimal growth conditions, and maximizing crop yield and quality. The Managing Grower will report to the Head Grower and will lead growing team members and work closely with other teams including production staff, quality control, and sales, to ensure that the cultivation processes meet company standards and market demands. Success in this role hinges upon the ability to demonstrate servant leadership, robust organizational abilities, adept communication skills, and the capacity to excel in a dynamic, high-paced setting.

• Please note that this role is only available IN-PERSON at our Rapidan, VA location! ***

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the planting, growing, and harvesting of crops to ensure on time and within specification delivery according to the production plan.
• Maintain high standards for crop quality and consistency and implement and oversee quality assurance protocols to minimize crop losses.
• Accomplishes departmental objectives by establishing plans, allocating resources to ensure compliance with developed budget, and results measurements; reviewing progress; making mid-course corrections.
• Monitor plant health, growth rates, and environmental conditions and implement integrated pest management strategies accordingly.
• Drive accountability via the development of KPI’s (Safety, Quality and Productivity). Ensure success via monitoring and providing feedback via daily meetings.
• Analyze performance deviances and recommend process improvements related to manpower, machinery, tooling, equipment, and floor space enabling working capital and bottom-line improvements.
• Lead the workforce within the growing area including selection and recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee development, recognition, and retention.
• Conduct regular inspections and assessments of crop health and quality.
• Oversee proper irrigation, fertilization, chemical application and pruning practices.
• Utilizes report functions in ERP (SAGE) and Starcom Plant Partner ERP to monitor inventory and space requirements.
• Maintain records of planting schedules, growth cycles, and production output.
• Ensure efficient use of resources and minimize waste.
• Ensure compliance with all agricultural regulations, environmental and safety standards.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols for staff and equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of growing conditions, treatments, and yields.
• Analyze data to optimize growing practices and improve efficiency.
• Research and implement new technologies and methods to improve crop production.
• Continuously seek ways to enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability by staying updated on industry regulations and best practices.

Qualifications

• 10 plus years of proven experience in a commercial greenhouse in a leadership position as a Section Grower or Growing Supervisor
• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or Plant Science preferred.
• Bi-lingual- ability to reach, write and speak in English and Spanish
• Must be a licensed pesticide applicator in the state of Virginia.
• Excellent computer skills including (advanced Excel skills)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with strong attention to detail.
• Commitment to safety and compliance with all relevant regulations and company policies.

Working Conditions

• Flexibility to work weekends as required (Saturday/Sunday)
• Ability to stand and/or sit for prolonged periods.
• Must have the ability to climb stairs/ladders and maneuver around and through storage, office, farm and machinery areas. The ability to lift, push and pull 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in different weather conditions in outdoor environment and within in greenhouse structures.
• The position requires excellent analytical and observation skills as well as math skills.
• Proficient verbal communication skills and the ability to listen, understand and follow directions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work schedules as needed.

All applicants must be work-authorized.

Costa Farms will not sponsor any visa for this position.

After applying, follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on what’s happening around Costa Farms and to start becoming part of our family. Come Grow with Us™!

Costa Farms offers competitive wages and benefits, including: 

• 401(k) Plan 
• Company 401(k) Matching Contributions 
• Health Savings Account 
• Care on Demand Telemedicine 
• Health Insurance 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Supplemental Insurance (Aflac) 
• Virtual workplace for certain roles 
• Growth Opportunities 
• Challenging and exciting work environment 
• Costa Farms Scholarship 
• Employee discounts on plants 

Costa Farms headquarters also has: 

• On-site gym with showers 
• On-site cafeteria, quiet room, and indoor games 
• Love Where You Work activities throughout the year 

This organization participates in E-Verify

• E-Verify Notice of Participation / E-Verify Aviso de Participación (English/Español)
• E-Verify Right to Work Poster / E-Verify Cartel Derecho a Trabajar (English/Español)

Read Full Description