Greenhouse Technician

Summary:
The Greenhouse Technician is responsible for assisting with the planning, growing and production of products of exceptional quality. They are responsible for providing meaningful jobs, on-the job training and supervision for the individuals served by Rainbow Omega, Inc., who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and desire to work in the greenhouses and/or garden center. The Greenhouse Technician produces quality-growing products to ensure a profitable business which provides financial support for the operations of Rainbow Omega, Inc., (ROI).

Duties:

1. Assists in the planning and implementation of the vocational program with respect to the greenhouse operations and supervision of the individuals served by ROI who participate in the vocational program.
2. Required to know each individual served working in the greenhouses and/or garden center personally, in order to respond to their needs, help and motivate each one to achieve his or her full potential for meaningful job activities within the greenhouse and or garden center operations.
3. Responsible for assisting each individual served in achieving the objectives as specified in his or her Individual Work Plan by instruction and training techniques.
4. Serves a Christian Role Model and Leader for the individuals served by demonstrating excellent problem solving skills, quality customer service and outstanding work ethic at all times. Ensures a Christian work environment when solving problems and handling emergencies.
5. Assists, trains and reviews the individual served involved in the greenhouse operations and provides input to the Greenhouse & Garden Center Coordinator regarding the performance of the other Greenhouse Technicians.
6. Communicates cultural practices for each crop to the individuals served and the other Greenhouse Technicians.
7. Ensures all plant material is properly maintained by potting, watering, fertilizing, cleaning, and grooming plants as needed, according to established product and quality standards pertaining to each crop to produce the highest quality product possible.

1. Responsible for assisting the Garden Center & Greenhouse Coordinator in planning the production of products of exceptional quality, plan for the production space allocation Schedules availability and planting dates.
2. Responsible for ensuring the quality of the plants and products and ensuring any diseased or poor quality plant material is disposed as indicated by established product and quality standards as directed by their immediate supervisor.
3. Is a cooperative and helpful team member who works with the other Greenhouse Technicians to ensure quality products are being grown, produced and meeting performance quality standards.
4. Develops and ensures implementation of pest control and weed control procedures.
5. Responsible for spraying for weeds on the grounds around the outside of the greenhouses and the inside of the greenhouses.
6. Responsible for ensuring the cleanliness, safety and security of the greenhouses, growing pads, grounds and Head House at all times as well as maintaining work place safety and security.
7. Assists the Garden Center & Greenhouse Coordinator in developing weekly “production notes” for all department staff and individuals served to establish goals for productivity, organization and cleanliness.
8. Follows the directives of the Greenhouse & Garden Center Coordinator and does not discard any products, plants or materials, etc., without ensuring and receiving full clearance from the Greenhouses & Garden Center Coordinator.
9. Maintains flexibility and adapts to the immediate needs of the individuals served; building skills, hand crafts, or any marketable skill desirable.
10. Reports any and all non-compliance issues to the Garden Center & Greenhouses Coordinator, in a timely manner.
11. Performs any and all other duties as assigned by the Garden Center & Greenhouses Coordinator, Horticulture Director and/or the Chief Operating Officer/Human Resources Director.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Leadership – Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others.
Job Knowledge – Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.

Care for the Individuals Served – Knows each individual served personally in order to serve his or her individual needs; manages difficult or emotional individual served situations; exhibits sensitivity to the emotional needs of the individuals served and their families; able to be flexible and to adapt to the immediate needs of the individuals served; responds promptly to the needs of individuals served; solicits feedback from the individuals served to improve service; responds to requests for services and assistance; meets commitments.
Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when handling emergencies or dealing with emotional topics.
Cooperation – Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; keeps others adequately informed; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts.
Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; develops realistic action plans.
Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate actions beyond guidelines; reports potential unsafe conditions; uses equipment and technology properly.
Morals and Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity; acts consistent with Christian principles; upholds organizational values; follows dress code.

Education and/or Experience

Must have a High School Diploma or GED; and preferably three or more years of experience working in retail, garden center, greenhouse, greenhouse maintenance, horticulture or a related field. Excellent skills in working with and training intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals. Prior experience should include growing, production and general management positions with quality oriented companies.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must maintain a current driver’s license and successfully pass a clean drug screen, clear criminal background check, TB Screening Test and Covid -19 Test or produce immunization records of receiving the full round of the Covid-19 Vaccination. Must complete First Aid, CPR, CPI, OSHA, Safety, ID/DD Overtraining and other ROI New Hire Trainings within the first 90 days of employment maintain certifications and training refresher courses annually and bi-annually.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds on his or her own as well. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and long distance vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.