Senior Grower

Description

Clesen Wholesale is a premier grower and distributor of seasonal annual flowers and plants selling to independent garden centers, professional landscapers and mass markets in the Upper Midwest. We are the largest single source of winter decorations for outdoor holiday containers, decorating and landscape beds serving the entire US. Established in 1941, our fourth-generation family business is enthusiastic and passionate about quality, selection and service. We have three greenhouse facilities located in Evanston, Lake Villa and Grayslake, IL along with a distribution center in Northbrook, IL. We are a thriving business with years of continuous strong growth and an exciting vision for the future. We are building a stronger culture with great teams and great individuals to help create beautiful environments for the public and private sectors. 

The role involves overseeing the production of high-quality crops while implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to ensure healthy yields. This position will be responsible for managing automated growing equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Additionally, the position includes managing and developing staff, providing leadership and training to foster a productive work environment. Key duties also include crop planning and scheduling to ensure timely production, as well as availability management to meet operational needs. The role requires the procurement of chemicals, biologicals, and grower supplies to maintain effective growing practices. Furthermore, maintaining facility cleanliness, organization, and performing regular maintenance tasks are essential responsibilities to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.

Requirements

• Illinois not-for-hire pesticide applicators license required, Plant Management or Ornamental Pest Control.
• 5 years working with ornamental plants and greenhouse crop production is required.   
• 3 years’ experience working in manufacturing, preferred.   
• Proven ability to understand goals, strategies and direction.
• Adept at using ERP system to drive work and priorities.
• Utilizes metrics in work to establish and monitor goals.

Physical Requirements: Able to repetitively bend, stretch, reach, lift, stand, and walk with unrestricted motion.  Able to remain on feet for majority of the day. Can lift 50 pounds or more and push and pull carts weighing up to 500 pounds. 

Position Type/Position Location/Expected Hours of Work: 

• Exempt, salary 
• Location: Lake Villa
• Full-time, weekends required. 
• Must be flexible to work across Clesen’s various worksites 

Benefits:

• One week PTO to accrue within first year of employment
• 8 company paid holidays
• Very competitive compensation
• Excellent benefits, including three medical plan offerings with employer contribution for employees and dependents, company paid basic life insurance, dental, vision, voluntary life, short term disability
• 401k with up to 4% company match annually

Clesen Wholesale is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].