Grower – Strawberry Vertical Farming (3-Month Contract)

InnoPhyte Consulting is hiring a Grower for a 3-month contract in India, focusing on Total Controlled Environment Agriculture and Vertical Farming. The role involves overseeing farm operations, optimizing crop yield, managing systems, and collaborating on research. Candidates should have experience in controlled environments, soilless cultivation, and strong communication skills. The position offers competitive pay and potential housing and travel benefits.
Job Overview: We are seeking an experienced Total Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA) and Vertical Farming Expert to join our team for a 3-month project in India. This role will involve providing specialized knowledge in the design, implementation, and optimization of vertical farming systems with a focus on controlled environments, sustainability, and efficient agricultural practices.

Responsibilities:
• Oversee day-to-day operations of farm, ensuring the optimization of crop yield, quality, and health.
• Lead the team in managing critical farm systems, including disease control, plant management, environmental targets and nutrient performance.
• Able to communicate with the R&D lead on the new experiments in the farm
• Influence the crop development roadmap, including evaluating new varieties for quality, yield, and taste.
• Designing, implementing and testing measurement and control systems for the development of hydroponic techniques,
• Designing, implementing and testing a farming system that consists of sensors, electronics, controls and actuators (irrigation, lights, environmental control).
• Provide insights on crop performance to help guide key business decisions.
• Data collection including, measuring the physical properties of growth substrate materials and yield data and fruit quality (Brix).

Qualifications & Skills:
• Experience in growing crops under commercial controlled environments (glasshouse, polytunnel, vertical farm)
• Background in soilless cultivation methods such as hydroponics and drip irrigation.
• Experience with soft fruits, especially berries, is a plus).
• Experience with Integrated Pest Management practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate across various teams.
• Strong communication skills, capable of explaining technical concepts to different audiences
• Passion for sustainable agriculture and contributing to industry change.
• Able to mix straight fertilisers, or ability to learn

Benefits:

Competitive monthly pay

Housing and travel (if needed)

Personal Attributes:

Team-oriented and collaborative.

Excellent communication skills.

Flexible and agile, comfortable with problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Accountable and self-driven.

To Apply: Send your CV with a cover letter and a financial offer to hello@innophyte.co.uk.