Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Director of Career and College Resources, the Greenhouse Coordinator, coordinates and oversees all daily operations of the Humboldt Hydrofarm and greenhouse facilities and serves as the primary on-site contact responsible for continuous greenhouse operations and environmental control, including after-hours and weekend response to alarms and emergencies. The Coordinator also collaborates with teachers to integrate greenhouse operations into CTE curriculum.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Greenhouse Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the operation and maintenance of the HCOE Hydrofarm. The primary function of the position is the technical and operational management of all greenhouse systems, crops, and facilities. The Coordinator also collaborates on curriculum development associated with the program and works closely with teachers to provide quality hands-on educational and skill-focused instruction.

Examples Of Essential Job Functions

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinates all Hydrofarm operations year-round, with responsibility for continuous crop production, facility oversight, and daily system monitoring.
• Develops and oversees daily operational plans for greenhouse and farm activities.
• Determines daily tasks, and works with teachers, students, and support staff to ensure continuity of production and adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Provides direction, training, and quality control to ensure all assigned work is completed safely, effectively, and in alignment with program standards.
• May be required to respond to system alerts, environmental issues, or equipment failures to ensure the continuous operation of greenhouse systems during non-working hours.
• Oversees and maintains greenhouse and farm infrastructure and equipment, ensuring the proper operation of structures, monitoring systems, pumps, vents, heating units, channels, reservoir tanks, irrigation pumps, poly panels, and security systems.
• Manages environmental control system, communicates and collaborates with service provider to troubleshoot and adjust system as needed.
• Manages ordering of seeds, grow additives and other farm
• Coordinates and delivers sales orders; manages customer relations, marketing, and accounting.
• Takes corrective action immediately if abnormalities occur (pests, disease, or other)
• Maintains a daily grower’s log.
• Monitors and reports monthly utility usage to Department Office Coordinator.
• Collaborates with teachers and partners to develop a standards based curriculum.
• Assists in supervising students in the greenhouse classroom and outdoor areas.
• Assists in creating learning environment where caring relationships are formed and motivation towards learning is fostered.
• Assists teachers in integrating work-based learning activities into the curriculum to prepare them for jobs in related industries.
• Works collaboratively and professionally with diverse students, families and colleagues.
• Shows responsiveness to the unique needs of each student.
• Participates in program advisory committee.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Quickbooks;

• Career paths and future educational opportunities for students;
• Greenhouse and Farm Operations;
• Food safety policies and procedures;
• Strategies to effectively work with youth;

Ability to:

• Use hand and power tools for maintenance and repair of equipment;
• Sit, stand and/or move about for extended periods in varied settings (indoor or outdoor);
• Organize and prioritize work and manage time effectively;
• Communicate effectively in person and using telephone, email and computer based technologies;
• Communicate in a professional manner in formal and informal settings, with students, parents and fellow staff;
• Apply knowledge and practices with good judgement;
• Work well with and supervise students of varying ages;
• Maintain a continuing relationship with the same students and staff over a prolonged period of time;
• Function independently with assigned tasks;
• Maintain emotional control under difficult situations;
• Follow oral and written directions;
• Work independently;
• Drive a vehicle and be able to get to assigned post;
• Lift and/or move objects occasionally in excess of 50 pounds;
• Adapt to changing work demands;
• Manage task priorities to meet deadlines;
• Work under varying degrees of stress;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups;
• Read and comprehend fine print, such as contracts, spreadsheets, texts, catalogs, etc;
• Keep information confidential.

Education And Experience

Minimum required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• ASD/BS in Horticulture or related field or 3 years’ experience in horticulture and controlled environment agriculture.
• Applicants must possess a valid CA Driver’s License and have access to a reliable vehicle

Preferred Experience

• At least three years of experience working in a commercial greenhouse or greenhouse operations or related experience

Working Conditions

• The Greenhouse Coordinator will work at the Humboldt Hydrofarm on the Redwood Acres Fairgrounds.
• Work is performed primarily in a greenhouse environment that can reach temperatures of 85°F or higher and high humidity levels.
• The position requires some flexibility in scheduling and availability outside of standard working hours, including weekends and holidays. There may be a need at times to respond to urgent issues affecting greenhouse operations.
• Work involves exposure to wet conditions, fertilizers, and other agricultural materials.
• It will require travel to local businesses and farms to distribute produce that has been grown at the farm.
• Transportation of students may be required.
• Employees may be required to walk, stand or conduct work in outdoor educational environments where there may be loud students or staff, varied temperatures, public interaction and/or upset staff or students.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• To sit, stand, walk, and/or move about for sustained periods
• Move about in non-traditional instructional environments.
• Daily written and oral communication.
• The ability to sufficiently hear over loud equipment that is present in the Hydrofarm environment (pumps, fans, etc.)
• The ability to climb ladders, bend, reach, lift, stoop, kneel and crouch.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).

• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.

• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

Range 12

CSEA Approved 1/8/26

PC Approved 9/12/2023