Irrigation and Fertigation Technician

Reporting to the Organic Grower/Plant Empowerment Manager, the Irrigation and Fertigation Technician will be responsible for the monitoring and management of our Freeman Herb’s irrigation systems. Your goal will be to ensure that we maintain excellent water health levels, identify issues within our irrigation system, work with our maintenance teams to remediate issues, and be a resource for our growing team to meet their irrigation and fertigation needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure irrigation water quality conforms to all the microbiological requirements for both organic and GAP Certifications.
• Collect water samples from assigned locations to execute weekly petri film tests and send to an independent lab monthly or as directed.
• Collect data and record findings in the Water Health Index form daily.
• Ensure smooth running of irrigation equipment by developing and adhering to approved maintenance schedule for all equipment (UVC generators, Ozonator, ECA water system, Ultramins Transducers, Water Silos, Filters, Mixers, Stock tank, Pipes, Nozzles, Drippers).
• Keep daily records of irrigation data from Pressure Gauges and Flow Meter readings, including irrigation water pH, EC and Temperature values.
• Monitor consumables, maintaining a reasonable stock in inventory (Filter Cloth, Water Softener cartridges, UVC replacement Lamps, Potassium Chloride, Acidifier, Peroxide).
• Work with Growers to produce the nutrient solutions requested for the fertigation programs of individual crops, making sure that only approved fertilizer recipes are used.
• Ensure that fertilizer salts/elements are accurately measured and properly mixed in the correct stock tanks according to recipe instructions.
• Ensure that the dedicated fertilizer solution has the appropriate EC and pH for the targeted crop and keep up to date records of the data and application dates.
• Trouble-shoot problems with irrigation supply, and recommend solutions to mitigate further issues.
• Closely monitor the fertilizer stock levels and inform the Production Manager if the quantity of any fertilizer falls below the required minimum.
• Establish cooperation and ensure smooth teamwork with the Maintenance department.
• Act as back-up for greenhouse fertigation activities, especially within busy periods.
• Render support to all Research and Development projects within the greenhouse.
• Provide suggestions for protocol refinement through a developed understanding of the company’s operational standards and goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Diploma or Degree in Chemistry, Agriculture or equivalent work experience.

Experience:

• Experience with irrigation or greenhouse systems preferred
• Experience in horticulture or growing an asset.

Skills:

• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work in a self-directed environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify, diagnose, and fix process inefficiencies
• Ability to maintain accurate and up to date records of various reports.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and goals.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy at Freeman Herbs. We thank all candidates for their interest in this position, however, only those candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted.

About us!

Freeman Herbs is one of the leading growers and distributors of fresh herbs in Canada. From its humble beginnings, Freeman Herbs is now the largest fresh herb grower in Canada and listed in the top five in North America.

At Freeman Herbs, we are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environment. We are happy to discuss any need for accommodation and will make every effort to meet those needs in a timely manner. Please advise the Human Resources Department if you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection processes and/or within the work environment.