Greenhouse Operations Assistant

Mastronardi Produce pioneered the commercial greenhouse industry in North America, and we’re now the leading greenhouse vegetable company on the continent. Our award-winning, flavorful produce is packed under the SUNSET® brand and is available at leading grocery retailers across North America. Family owned for over 70 years, we pride ourselves on having the most flavorful products and the best people in the industry. We are constantly pushing boundaries to be a leader in fresh produce innovation. We seek individuals that demonstrate our PRIDE values (Passion, Respect, Innovation, Drive, Excellence) to help us fulfill our mission to inspire healthy living through WOW flavor experiences.

We are currently seeking a Greenhouse Operations Assistant for our Greenhouse facility in Oneida, NY. The Greenhouse Operations Assistant will support the VP of Greenhouse Operations to ensure that projects involving capital investment in technology, automation and new structures are successful. This position will investigate and resolve project issues, manage contractors, and communicate progress to management. Position will also develop an expert understanding of all systems used within the greenhouse operations.

Values:

To perform the job successfully, the incumbent’s behavior must be consistent with the PRIDE values expected of all Mastronardi Produce employees: be Passionate; have Respect; be Innovative; be Driven and strive for Excellence.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Investigate issues/problems to retrieve all the facts and create concise reporting to VP of Greenhouse Development
• Follow through with other departments and vendors on outstanding issues/information
• Follow through with internal stakeholders on outstanding issues/information
• Schedule/setup meetings and potentially arrange travel for others who are attending on and off premises
• Identify and investigate problems that occur on the projects and propose solutions
• Arrange and coordinate meetings on behalf of the VP of Greenhouse Development
• Prepare and edit correspondence, communications, reports, and presentations
• Ensure concise and complete weekly reporting on status of all POC’s/Initiatives
• Prepare and review expense reports
• Form relationships with internal staff on all levels
• Attend meetings, take dictation and record minutes accurately; follow up on action items as needed
• Performs miscellaneous projects and clerical work that is assigned
• Assist in organizing time studies and taking field samples

Education/Qualifications Required:

• Background in technical project work, design, or engineering, or a 4-year degree in a related field
• Must have an expert understanding of Excel and Microsoft Project
• Must be able to work independently and manage a large number of complex projects
• Demonstrated experience problem solving technical issues
• Must be able to effectively communicate technical and complex information to a broad audience
• Must be willing and able to travel locally and internationally (25%-50% of the time as needed)
• Must maintain a valid passport

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Must be able to work independently and manage a large number of complex projects
• Demonstrated experience problem solving technical issues
• Must be able to effectively communicate technical and complex information to a broad audience
• Take a pro-active “roll up your sleeves approach”
• Hands-on ability and eagerness to work alongside Greenhouse staff to gain firsthand knowledge
• Document what has been learned and ask questions to further understand the projects at hand
• Must be willing and able to travel locally and internationally (25%-50% of the time as needed)
• Must maintain a valid passport

Working Conditions:

• Combination of office and greenhouse environment
• Must be capable of lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Position requires sitting, standing, walking and bending on a regular basis
• Must have manual dexterity to perform computer skills

Please note: Mastronardi Produce has accommodation processes and policies in place and provides accommodation for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation because of a disability or documented medical need, please contact the Human Resource office so that arrangements can be made for the appropriate accommodation to be put into place.

Salary range is $55k/yr USD-$65k/y USD