Job Summary

Nourse Farms is a leading player in the plant propagation industry, known for our commitment to excellence in providing high-quality plant stock. The Substrate Team Lead is responsible for coordinating the daily activities of the substrate production team to ensure the safe, efficient, and timely production of growing media and substrate products. This role serves as a working lead, providing hands-on support, training, and direction to team members while assisting the Substrate Supervisor/Manager in achieving production, quality, and safety goals.

The Team Lead is expected to model company values, maintain a positive work environment, and ensure adherence to established procedures and quality standard

Key Responsibilities:

Production Operations

• Coordinate and prioritize daily substrate production activities based on production schedules and operational needs.

Team Leadership

• Provide daily work direction and task assignments to substrate team members.
• Train new employees on equipment operation, safety procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor employee performance and provide coaching to improve productivity and quality.
• Serve as a resource for team members by answering questions and resolving routine operational issues.
• Assist supervisors/managers with employee onboarding and training initiatives.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure substrate products meet established quality standards and specifications.
• Monitor moisture levels, ingredient ratios, and product consistency throughout the production process.
• Identify and communicate quality concerns to management promptly.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.

Safety and Compliance

• Promote and enforce company safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct daily safety observations and encourage safe work practices.
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Report safety hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA regulations and company standards.

Inventory and Housekeeping

• Monitor inventory levels of substrate components and production supplies.
• Communicate material needs to management to prevent production interruptions.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Assist with inventory counts and material tracking as needed.
• Operate substrate production equipment, including mixers, bale busters, conveyors, loaders, forklifts, and other material handling equipment as required.
• Monitor workflow to ensure production targets are achieved efficiently and safely.
• Assist with equipment setup, adjustments, troubleshooting, and minor maintenance.
• Maintain accurate production records and communicate progress to management.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2–4 years of manufacturing, agricultural, greenhouse, nursery, substrate production, or related operational experience preferred.
• Prior leadership, team lead, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience operating forklifts, loaders, or other industrial equipment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of production processes and quality standards.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse workforce.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to train employees and provide constructive feedback.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and production tracking systems.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and adapt to changing production demands.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, push, and pull throughout the workday.
• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in varying indoor and outdoor environmental conditions.
• Ability to safely operate production equipment and powered industrial trucks.

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you bilingual in Spanish? If yes, please describe your proficiency level.

Work Location: In person