Fertigation Technician

Fertigation Technician

Job Type: Full-Time; Non-Exempt
Shift: Tuesday - Saturday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
Starting Hourly Rate: $19.50
Location: Litchfield, IL

The Fertigation Technician works in conjunction with the Fertigation Supervisor to oversee and implement all irrigation and fertigation activities across the entire grow. Fertigation Technician may also be required to work in the garden with Cultivation Technicians and perform similar duties, as needed

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Check and balance EC & pH of stock tanks according to company standard operations procedures (SOPs)
• Clean and sanitize nutrient tanks, pumps, filters as needed
• Maintain and ensure Irrigation and Fertigation equipment is in good working order
• Comply with company and product label safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Take nutrient samples to be sent out for analysis
• Maintain and ensure proper storage and sanitation of all tools and equipment, including but not limited to shop vacs, pumps, hoses, carts, scissors, stools, totes, gloves, rags, and PPE gear
• Meticulous record keeping of all nutrient use
• Work closely with the grow team to ensure the irrigation/fertigation plan is properly implemented and maintained
• Maintain inventory of all fertilizers on site
• Ensure fertilizer concentrate tanks are filled adequately
• Respond to system alarms and diagnose/troubleshoot issues quickly and effectively
• Performs regular calibration of nutrient testing instruments
• Responsible for the installation and maintenance of general irrigation equipment: valves, emitters, drip stakes, drip tubing, and bench lines
• Monitor soil moisture content of the crop and obtain water samples for testing
• Able to work variable shifts to meet business requirements. Including weekends, holidays, and over-time

Qualifications:

• 21+
• High School Diploma or GED Certificate required
• Must have a valid drivers license and have reliable transportation
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and emergencies as required
• Hard worker and team player
• Must understand and follow rules, regulations, policies, and procedures set forth by the state and company
• Show skills in analyzing potential problems with plant health
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment
• Physical aptitude and health necessary to perform manual labor tasks required for the proper management of a commercial grow
• Display accountability, proactive behavior, and strong attention to detail
• Agricultural or green industry experience required, preferably have a degree in Horticulture, Plant Science or related field
• Basic knowledge about irrigation systems, the related components, and familiar with hydroponic solution formulation
• Show skills in analyzing potential problems with plant health
• Work with Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Excellent time-management skills with the ability to effectively plan and prioritize
• Display accountability, proactive behavior, and strong attention to detail

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires a great deal of sitting, walking, bending, and reaching
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, lift objects on a regular basis, and perform daily repetitive tasks
• Close visual focus required
• This position requires the extended and repetitive use of arms, hands, and fingers to cut/manipulate small objects
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lb.
• Must be able to pass a respirator fit test

Facility Environment

• Allergen warnings - Potential exposure to dust, pollen, and plant pathogens.
• Exposure to cleaning solvents, such as high volumes of isopropyl alcohol
• All jobs require daily use of provided PPE, such as masks, hair nets, beard covers, respirators, boot covers, scrubs, non-slip shoes, and Tyvek suits as necessary
• Exposure to loud noises, including but not limited to air compressors, packaging equipment, and alarms.
• Exposure to CO2 manufacturing procedures at OSHA approved CO2 levels
• High stress tolerance, adaptable, ability to work in an ever-changing environment, flexible