Greenhouse Operations & Facilities Manager - InnerPlant
Davis, CA
About the Job
About Us
At InnerPlant (www.innerplant.com) we are reimagining the role of crops in our farming system, developing crops that can tell us what they need by turning plants into Living Sensors. Our Smart Seeds signal early and specific stressors in a scalable and affordable way to reduce chemical and fertilizer use while increasing yields, delivering more with less.
We’re backed by industry giant John Deere and other veteran venture capitalists and are poised for massive growth to realize a more productive and sustainable farming system. InnerPlant is a place for dreamers and optimists, people that believe they can change the world and that want to take action to leave a positive lasting impact. If you share these traits and want to apply yourself to make a real difference - this is the opportunity for you.
Position Summary
We are seeking a knowledgeable and energetic leader to ensure that our plant growth pipeline consistently produces healthy plants and high-quality seed. The Greenhouse Operations & Facilities Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant care in growth chambers and greenhouses. This role also holds accountability for ensuring the required infrastructure is properly maintained and operational. Additionally, this role will oversee seed inventory and storage, and is expected to use their deep knowledge of the industry to guide the construction of new facilities as we scale.
The right candidate thrives in a dynamic start-up atmosphere, takes initiative to move projects forward, and has deep knowledge of plant growth in controlled environments. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are also essential as this role is part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team. The selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Key responsibilities
- Utilize demonstrated expertise in greenhouse management to ensure the health and productivity of multiple plant species including soybean, tomato, model plants, corn and rice
- Ensure facilities are kept clean, well-maintained, and free from pests and diseases
- Perform routine maintenance to ensure continuous operation and quality performance of the plant growth infrastructure drive improvement and expansion projects as needed
- Lead and coordinate team members to support daily plant care and other related activities (planting, harvesting, threshing, data tracking. etc.)
- Lead budgeting, hiring, training, coaching, professional development for members of the plant growth team
- Proactively collaborate with team members to foster a safe and organized working environment
- Receive and respond to environmental monitoring systems both within and outside of normal working hours
- Serve as a subject matter expert on plant growth and proper care including integrated pest management, pesticide applications and proper nutritional programs
- Contribute to other company initiatives as required to deliver key results
Requirements
Education and Experience
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant propagation, agricultural engineering, or other relevant field
- At least 5 years direct hands-on experience growing plants in a commercial greenhouse or other controlled environment setting
- Strong understanding of plant growth and physiology (direct soybean knowledge a plus)
- Strong working knowledge of plant diseases and pest management practices
- Strong knowledge of greenhouse and growth chamber systems including plumbing/irrigation, heating and cooling, humidification, and lighting, electrical and mechanical systems
- Familiarity with environmental monitoring systems
- Exceptional problem solving and troubleshooting skills
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be authorized to work in the United States
- Must have or be able to obtain appropriate pesticide application license from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation
- Ability to work in a greenhouse where it can be hot and humid, lift and carry at least 50lbs, stand/walk for extended periods, perform repetitive tasks that can be physically demanding
- Provide own transportation between multiple locations in Woodland, CA and Davis, CA
Benefits
Benefits
The US base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $130,000 + benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
InnerPlant provides an amazing opportunity to work on some of the hardest problems facing humanity and help design the agricultural systems of the future. In addition to working with a fun team, we offer competitive compensation, insurance benefits, and flexible time-off.
InnerPlant provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.