WinGen Plants is a small multinational plant breeding and product development company based in the Austin, Texas metro area. We are part of a large international horticultural network and are dedicated to the breeding and development of novel and innovative ornamental plant varieties. At WinGen, you will be working to develop and enhance our breeding programs through applied genetics and plant breeding techniques as well as a thoughtful collaboration with our diverse team.
Position Summary
The Facility Supervisor is responsible for managing WinGen’s Mustang Ridge, Texas facility as well as assisting in growing and horticultural operations when needed. Primary areas of responsibility are:
· Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of all structures and systems, as well as the facility grounds.
· Lead and supervise Research Technicians, landscape/maintenance staff and temporary labor through daily tasks and safe practices.
· Lead regular safety training for all employees on topics related to greenhouse work safety.
· Provide employees with necessary safety equipment and PPE to complete required tasks and help to monitor compliance.
Reporting Relationship
The Facility Supervisor will report to the Operations Manager. They will help oversee all aspects of facility maintenance and employee safety.
Key Responsibilities
· Facility Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of all structures and systems, as well as the facility grounds. This will require knowledge of irrigation and fertilization systems, and general farm equipment operation and maintenance.
· Facility Development: Oversees the development and expansion of the facility through proper channels. This requires working with WinGen staff, third party contractors and governing authorities to achieve WinGen’s expansion goals.
· Facility Organization: Maintain accurate records for facility and equipment inventories, maintenance schedules, supply inventories, safety trainings.
o Works with the Finance/HR Manager to place orders for all facilities-related supplies and equipment.
· Facility Safety: Ensure facilities are free of unnecessary hazards and any hazards properly addressed according to OSHA regulations. Ensure employees have any required task-specific safety training before those tasks are performed.
· Research Technician Oversight: The Facility Supervisorwill be the direct supervisor for the Research Technicians and temporary labor at the Mustang Ridge facility. They will communicate the status of labor needs on a routine basis with the Breeding Director and Operations Manager of WinGen.
o Monitors employee performance in all facility activities
o Assist the breeding staff and others with the implementation of breeding work on site.
o Ensures that all direct reports have the necessary resources to complete their assigned tasks.
Position Requirements
· Employee will work in accordance with WinGen LLC’s employee code of conduct and employment policies. The position is located at WinGen’s Mustang Ridge, TX facility and the employee must provide their own transportation.
· Forklift and Powered Industrial Truck Certified Operator or ability to acquire certification within thirty (30) days of hire date.
· OSHA General Industry Certification or ability to acquire certification within ninety (90) days of hire date.
· The employee must be able to apply pesticides on-site in a safe and lawful manner as a technician under WinGen’s Pesticide Applicator’s License.
· The employee must be authorized to work in the United States and maintain this eligibility at all times.
· Ability to work in outdoor and agricultural environments. Ability to stand for 30 minutes at a time, able to lift 30+ lbs.
· Employee may be required to work outside of the standard Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm schedule based on staffing and company needs. Additionally, Employee will be responsible for proper operation of all facility systems on a permanent basis.
· Experience: A minimum of 3 years’ experience in horticulture, agriculture, or related field. OR a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a management or supervisor role.
· Skills and Attributes:
o Self-motivated, organized and efficient
o Effective communicator
o Ability to read, write, and transcribe alpha-numeric codes and other data.
o Ability to learn and implement new pest management and horticultural strategies to improve the facility’s overall performance.
o Thinks strategically both in the long-term and short-term.
o Works well independently, as well as in a team environment
o Ability to maintain and develop professional relationships.
o Safety-conscious
· Knowledge:
o Fluency in written and spoken English required; ability to write and speak Spanish is desired.
o Must be able to safely operate heavy machinery and power tools.