HEAD GROWER Integra Hubs - Tirupati Operations Modern Horticulture & Controlled Environment Agriculture POSITION SUMMARY The Head Grower manages and leads the technical growing operations at our state-of-the-art protected cultivation facility in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. This role oversees all aspects of crop production including using advanced greenhouse technologies and soil-less cultivation systems. The position is responsible for maximizing yield quality and quantity while implementing sustainable agro-ecological practices aligned with Integra Hubs' mission of delivering affordable nutrition through climate-resilient food systems. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Crop Production Management - Oversee crop cycles and diversified horticultural production using protected cultivation techniques - Manage soil-less substrate cultivation systems with automated fertigation and climate control - Co-ordinate nursery operations including seedling production, hardening, and transplantation - Implement precision growing protocols for vine training, pruning, and wire trellising systems - Coordinate harvest operations Technical Operations - Monitor and control greenhouse environmental conditions: temperature, humidity, ventilation, and CO₂ levels - Manage automated irrigation, nutrition delivery systems, and electrical conductivity/pH monitoring - Oversee integrated pest management using beneficial insects and biological control methods - Implement pollination strategies including air blowers, vibrators, and manual techniques - Utilize digital monitoring system for data-driven crop management decisions Quality Control & Compliance - Ensure compliance with pertinent local and global food standards and safety certification paradigms. - Maintain comprehensive production records and quality control documentation - Monitor crop development for leaf texture, bloom size, pest/disease identification - Remove substandard plants and implement quality improvement processes - Oversee food safety protocols from cultivation through post-harvest Team Leadership & Training - Lead and develop field officers, farm workers, and seasonal staff - Provide technical training on advanced growing techniques and safety protocols - Coordinate with Farm Manager, Production Supervisor, and Harvest Supervisor - Schedule and assign daily work activities across multiple growing areas - Trial new cultivation techniques to enhance yield and product quality Innovation & Sustainability - Implement agro-ecological practices including nutrient cycling and biodiversity conservation - Manage sustainable resource usage: water conservation, substrate recycling, waste management - Collaborate, research and co-develop growing strategies with public and private institutions on biological interventions in protected cultivation REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education & Experience - Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Sciences, or related field (Master's preferred) - Minimum 5 years of protected cultivation/greenhouse growing experience - Demonstrated experience with soil-less cultivation systems and automated controls - Experience with vine crops and diversified fruits and vegetables production Technical Competencies - Expert knowledge of greenhouse environmental control systems - Proficiency with fertigation systems, EC/pH meters, and irrigation automation - Understanding of integrated pest management and beneficial insect programs - Experience with harvest timing, quality assessment, and post-harvest handling - Ability to interpret production data and implement corrective measures Certifications - Pesticide applicator license as may be required in accordance with state and central regulations - Organic certification knowledge preferred - Food safety certification (HACCP/ISO 22000) preferred CORE COMPETENCIES Technical Skills - Advanced knowledge of plant physiology, nutrition, and growth requirements - Expertise in climate control, irrigation scheduling, and fertilizer management - Ability to identify and diagnose plant diseases, pests, and nutritional disorders - Proficiency with digital monitoring systems and production software - Mathematical skills for calculating fertilizer ratios, concentrations, and application rates Leadership & Communication - Strong leadership abilities to manage diverse technical teams - Language & communication 1. English – high level of written and verbal proficiency is mandatory 2. Telugu and Hindi – intermediate level of verbal proficiency mandatory - Ability to train staff on complex technical procedures - Collaborative approach to work with interdisciplinary teams - Problem-solving skills for rapid decision-making in dynamic environments Professional Attributes - Commitment to sustainable agriculture, community engagement and environmental stewardship - Adaptability to work in high-humidity, variable temperature greenhouse conditions - Detail-oriented approach to record-keeping and quality control - Results-driven mindset focused on productivity and efficiency PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS - Ability to work in greenhouse conditions with high humidity and temperatures up to 35°C - Physical capability to lift up to 25 kg and work on feet for extended periods - Ability to climb ladders, reach overhead, and manoeuvre in confined growing spaces - Visual acuity to assess plant health, identify pests/diseases, and monitor equipment WORK SCHEDULE - This is a full-time position with significant time commitments during the launch phase of our Tirupati greenhouse - Weekend availability may be required - On-call responsibilities for emergency situations - Flexibility for early morning and evening monitoring rounds COMPENSATION & BENEFITS - Competitive salary commensurate with experience - Performance-based incentives tied to production targets - Health insurance and medical benefits - Professional development opportunities REPORTING STRUCTURE Reports to: Farm Manager Direct Reports: Field Officers, Farm Workers, Seasonal Staff Collaborates with: Production Supervisor, Harvest Supervisor, Sales Manager COMPANY MISSION ALIGNMENT This position directly supports Integra Hubs' vision of democratizing affordable, clean nutrition while advancing climate-positive agriculture. The Head Grower plays a crucial role in our farmer-owned modern horticulture model, contributing to both local food security and sustainable farming practices in Andhra Pradesh. Integra is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. 2025 Integra Impact / Mumbai IN / Zurich CH Job Type: Full-time Pay: ₹600,000.00 - ₹800,000.00 per year Benefits: Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Provident Fund Schedule: Day shift Weekend availability Supplemental Pay: Performance bonus Yearly bonus Work Location: In person Application Deadline: 15/07/2025