About the Role
Our client, a pioneer in sustainable urban agriculture solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Horticulturist to lead their innovative projects in **Virginia Beach, Virginia**. This role is critical for developing and implementing advanced horticultural practices for diverse urban farming systems, including vertical farms, hydroponic, and aquaponic setups. You will be responsible for optimizing plant growth, ensuring high yields, and managing the overall health and productivity of crops within controlled environments. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in horticulture, plant physiology, and controlled environment agriculture, combined with a passion for sustainable food systems and innovation. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of food production in urban settings.
Key Responsibilities Develop, implement, and refine horticultural strategies for a variety of urban farming systems. Manage all aspects of plant cultivation, including nutrient delivery, lighting, temperature, humidity, and pest/disease control. Conduct research and experiments to optimize crop performance, yield, and quality. Monitor plant health and environmental conditions, making data-driven adjustments as needed. Develop and maintain detailed crop production plans and schedules. Supervise and train junior horticultural staff and technicians. Collaborate with engineers and designers to improve and innovate farming systems. Maintain accurate records of planting, growth, yields, and operational costs. Ensure adherence to all food safety and quality standards. Stay current with the latest advancements in horticulture and controlled environment agriculture. Contribute to the development of new crop varieties suitable for urban farming in the **Virginia Beach, Virginia** area. Requirements Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field. Ph.D. preferred. A minimum of 6 years of experience in professional horticulture, with a significant focus on controlled environment agriculture (e.g., hydroponics, aquaponics, vertical farming). In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, crop nutrition, and pest/disease management. Proven experience in managing and optimizing growing conditions using environmental control systems. Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret environmental and plant health data. Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail. Effective communication and leadership skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Passion for sustainable urban agriculture and innovative food production. Familiarity with research methodologies and experimental design. Benefits
Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development. Employees are part of a mission-driven organization focused on creating sustainable food solutions. This role provides a chance to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to a greener, healthier future in **Virginia Beach, Virginia**.