Greenhouse Assistant - Abbotsford (BC) Canada

The Vander Meulen Group of companies is a modern, high-volume producer of greenhouse bell peppers, located in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. With a total of 190,000m² under glass, we are looking for an enthusiastic and lively individual who is willing to join our unique, hard working team of managers and growers while the company continues to grow.

Job Title

Greenhouse Assistant 

Job Description

The Greenhouse Assistant will work alongside the growers, maintenance and office staff, to ensure all greenhouse operations and programs are running smoothly and efficiently. The candidate will travel between sites and assist with the Integrated Pest Management Program and other daily greenhouse duties as well as assisting with Canada GAP Food Safety, Workplace Health and Safety and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.  Familiarity with the commercial greenhouse and the aforementioned programs would be considered an asset for this position.

Greenhouse Operations

IPM

As part of our team, the candidate will monitor pepper plant health and implement the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for the greenhouses, including:

• Identifying both crop pests and crop beneficials through regular scouting
• Apply and identify biological control agents
• Maintain accurate records and follow-up on efficacy of control methodology
• Maintain and calibrate spray equipment
• Be trained in the application pesticides following all regulations

Daily Operations

The applicant will be part of the daily greenhouse operations, ensuring crop work is occurring efficiently and smoothly.  These operations include:

• Daily collection of drip and drain
• Assisting the growers in crop work management as necessary
• Helping to maintain equipment by filling out checklists and informing maintenance of any issues occurring with equipment

Food Safety and Worker Health and Safety

He or she will be involved in managing Food Safety and Workplace Health and Safety protocols in the greenhouse including:

• Assisting management in filling out required checklists
• Helping to ensure the crew is trained in and following all Work Safe and Food Safety protocols

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) Coordination

The position will require an individual who is fluent in both English and Spanish in order to lead and coordinate the TFW program of foreign workers.  Duties include but are not limited to:

• Communicate with workers to ensure their needs are met by holding regular meetings and relaying all pertinent information regarding safety and regulations
• Conduct weekly housing inspections periodically to ensure standards are being met
• Provide translations for location Manager(s) to ensure communication is seamless between TFW and Management by explaining roles and duties
• Perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned

Qualifications and Experience

Skills & Abilities:

The successful candidate will also benefit from having a positive attitude and be able to communicate, problem solve and multitask as needed, other attributes also include:

• Adaptability - Capable of working in a fast-paced environment, adapt to various situations, and prioritize multiple work assignments simultaneously
• Results focused – Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks
• Interpersonal skills – Ability to collaborate on projects, maintain effective relationships, and communicate clearly
• Detail oriented – Excellent attention to detail with the ability to follow through on assigned tasks
• Independent -Ability to work well independently and under limited supervision
• Team Player skills - Possess strong commitment to team environment dynamics with the ability to contribute expertise and follow leadership directives

Required Skills & Experience: 

The applicant must have a minimum of 2 years in related studies - Diploma in Horticulture or 3-4 years greenhouse experience or related work experience. In addition to this the applicant will need:

• Knowledge in greenhouse/agricultural industry
• Ability to communicate in both English and Spanish
• Knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Hold a Class 5 Driver's License
• Attain or hold a valid pesticide applicators certificate

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Schedule: Monday-Friday, must be willing to work weekends and Statutory holidays

Email: hr@thevdmgroup.com     Phone: (604) 864-0078

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