Job Description

Job Title Grower Support Intern

Location Kingsville, ON - On Site

Duration 10 Weeks

Summer Internship Cycle June-August

This opening if for a current opportunity.

About the Program:
Mastronardi offers a structured, 10-week internship program that runs three times per year, during the Spring, Summer and Fall. This internship provides students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and learn from industry professionals.

Mastronardi Produce pioneered the commercial greenhouse industry in North America, and we’re now the leading greenhouse vegetable company on the continent. Our award-winning, flavorful produce is packed under the SUNSET® brand and is available at leading grocery retailers across North America. Family owned for over 70 years, we pride ourselves on having the most flavorful products and the best people in the industry. We are constantly pushing boundaries to be a leader in fresh produce innovation. We seek individuals that demonstrate our PRIDE values (Passion, Respect, Innovation, Drive, Excellence) to help us fulfill our mission to inspire healthy living through WOW flavor experiences.

Values:

To perform the job successfully, the incumbent's behavior must be consistent with the PRIDE values expected of all Mastronardi Produce employees: be Passionate; have Respect; be Innovative; be Driven; and strive for Excellence.

Wages & Schedule:

$17.85/hour; Full-time, Monday-Friday

Primary Function:

The Grower Support Intern will support and assist the Head Grower, IPM Manager and Growing Team in daily greenhouse operations. The internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in crop management, experimental trial design, yield optimization and daily greenhouse operations. Duties include monitoring and adjusting environmental conditions, plant care, and irrigation systems, ensuring the greenhouse runs efficiently and the crops thrive. This role offers hands-on experience in plant care including watering, fertilizing, and pest and disease management.

Primary Responsibilities

• Document, assist and consult with the Growers and IPM Manager on various daily operations and process control tasks
• Ensure cleanliness and adherence to all food safety policies and procedures
• Gain knowledge and understanding of Greenhouse Climate Strategies, Hydroponic Irrigation Techniques, Plant Health and Nutrition, Commercial Greenhouse Equipment Integrated Pest Management, Food Safety Regulations, and Packhouse Operations
• Perform daily scouting
• Assist with biological controls and banker plants
• Data collection and analysis

Education/Background Requirements:

• Pursuing a degree in horticulture, agriculture, or related field
• Good communication skills and proficient in English
• Adherence to safety policies and procedures, flexible, and reliable transportation
• Previous farm or greenhouse experience is a plus

Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Be innovative, possess analytical skills, be results-oriented, maintain composure under pressure, and have keen attention to detail
• Be independent and able to drive other functions in pursuit of achieving goals
• Have technical skills, knowledge and capabilities in packaging technology and applications
• Ability to set priorities considering short and long-term business needs

Working Conditions:

• Full-time on site in Kingsville, ON
• Flexible scheduling
• Greenhouse environment with fluctuating temperatures
• Able to work at a fast pace, with long periods of standing bending or sitting
• Lifting and moving plants up to 50lbs or more; pushing carts that can weigh over 100lbs

"Mastronardi uses AI to source and select candidates on our job platforms."

Please Note: Mastronardi Produce has accommodation processes and policies in place and provides accommodation for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation because of a disability or documented medical need, please contact the Human Resource office so that arrangements can be made for the appropriate accommodation to be put into place.