Greenhouse Assistant - Nobell Foods

Nobell Foods is creating cheese and other dairy products from plant-derived dairy proteins for the 99% of people who are unwilling to compromise on taste and price. Nobell is made up of a team of passionate scientists, explorers, and storytellers on a mission to radically change the way we make food, so it’s better for you, the animals, and the planet. We are backed by Bill Gates’ client fund Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, and Robert Downey Jr. If you believe in our mission and are excited about our work, we would love to hear from you!

About the Role: 

As a greenhouse assistant, you will be supporting the day-to-day operations of our 20,000+ sq ft greenhouse located in Gilroy, California. Each day you will be caring for, fertigating, sampling and harvesting plants following strict and detailed protocols while collecting data and meeting important deadlines.

Responsibilities:

• General care of our 6,000+ plants, such as watering, staking, repotting, trimming and discarding.
• General greenhouse tasks such as filling pots with soil, rearranging 1-2 gallon pots, cleaning dead plant material from benches, data entry, record keeping and maintaining greenhouse sanitation.
• Monitoring plant health and reporting problems such as disease and pests to management.
• Collecting and cataloging various plant tissue samples following strict protocols.
• Maintaining records of the plants being added and removed from our greenhouse space by precisely tracking thousands of plant identification numbers.
• Ordering supplies and material for greenhouse operations and maintaining an organized inventory of these supplies.
• Responsible for handling and storage of regulated plants and plant materials following USDA guidelines.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Have an associate degree (or higher) in a science related field (preference will be given for Plant Biology, Horticulture, Botany or similar plant science fields).
• Have worked in a greenhouse before and are familiar with the procedures, practices, materials and equipment used in a greenhouse environment.
• Possess basic science skills such as: conducting experiments, large quantity sample collections, meticulous notebook taking skills.
• You enjoy and work effectively in a team setting. Punctual, efficient and on task. 
• You are organized, detail-oriented, self motivated, reliable, resourceful, a quick learner, can multitask, can efficiently prioritize tasks and have excellent time management skills.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• You have proficient computer skills, including expertise in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work productively with minimal supervision.
• You are comfortable working in hot, humid, and/or other extreme environments.
• Ability to physically lift and carry at least 50 lbs and stand/walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to do repetitive tasks that can be physically demanding and work in ergonomically demanding environments.

Physical Requirements:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS FOR THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THIS ROLE: You are comfortable working in a wide range of temperatures, humidity, and sunlight and/or other extreme temperatures. Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. Ability to do repetitive tasks that can be physically demanding such as sitting, standing, walking, bending, twisting, crouching, squatting, kneeling, and reaching for extended periods of time. Exposure to pollen, allergens, chemicals, cleaning products, spaces with no air conditioning, loud noises, uneven ground, dust, and/or strong odors is to be expected.

Closing: 

The pay range is currently between $18 to $24 hourly. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Nobell Foods offers competitive compensation, generous healthcare, dental and vision plans, 401(k) and commuter benefits.