Greenhouse Operations Manager - 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 our greenhouse operations manager you will oversee the agronomic activities, active projects, organization, and operations of our greenhouse in Gilroy, California. You will be using your previous greenhouse experience, applied agriculture skills and team leadership capabilities to ensure the growth, development and overall success of the greenhouse operation. You will play a pivotal role in our company and aim to maximize the efficiency and productivity of our greenhouse operations to meet internal customer timelines. Your role reports to the Vice President of Operations.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement and advance productivity and consistency of greenhouse operations.
• Lead and support the development of our greenhouse team. Provide systems and training on all agronomic activities associated with greenhouse operations (e.g., seeding, watering, staking, transplanting, trimming, repotting, harvesting, cleaning/sanitation, fertilizing, irrigation, growing techniques).
• Maintain an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program: identify and develop solutions for plant pests and other biological/non-biological agents that can obstruct the proper development of our plants. Assemble a preventative controls program.
• Manage and oversee all greenhouse repairs and maintenance.
• Procure and maintain all greenhouse equipment.
• Manage greenhouse inventory (consumables, chemicals, etc.) and maintain positive relationships with external vendors to receive the highest quality and most cost competitive materials.
• Maintain full regulatory compliance. Develop, implement and manage all guidelines for proper handling and containment of USDA regulated plant material.
• Closely monitor and document all observations of plant development, plant health and phenotypic anomalies.
• Lead research and protocol-optimization projects and keep all stakeholders informed. Maintain complete, accurate and timely tracking of all data. 
• Delegate greenhouse tasks, track the progress of these tasks and ensure they meet assigned deadlines.
• Lead hiring and onboarding efforts for any open positions in the greenhouse team.
• Serve as the main point of contact for any greenhouse construction project: which includes but is not limited to interacting with contractors / subcontractors, attending OAC meetings, reviewing bids / contracts / agreements / proposals / drawings, working with city officials for permits and obtaining quotes from vendors.
• Serve as the liaison between the greenhouse and our research laboratory in South San Francisco.
• Keep the Vice President of Operations fully informed of all greenhouse operations and report/escalate issues as needed.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Applicants must reside within the state of California.
• Applicants must have 3-5 years of industry greenhouse management experience OR 5 years of academic greenhouse management experience managing a greenhouse larger than 2,000 square feet.
• Applicants with previous experience working with soybeans are highly encouraged to apply.
• Advanced knowledge of concepts about greenhouse operations, environmental controls, quality, and productivity.
• Excellent written, verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills and data management structure.
• You possess creative and problem-solving skills to make process improvements and an understanding of continuous improvement methodology.
• You are self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, resourceful and adaptable.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, quickly changing startup environment.
• Ability to perform a variety of tasks under time constraints and strict deadlines.
• Ability to handle stressful situations, in an efficient and professional manner.
• Ability to work productively with minimal to no supervision.
• Track record of leading a successful and efficient team.

Physical Requirements: 

• Applicants will be required to acquire and maintain a pesticide applicator’s license and forklift certification.
• 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 50 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 $80,000 to $110,000 in annual gross compensation. 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.