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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hydroponic Specialist

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

AgricultureHorticultureControlled Environment AgricultureSustainable Farming

🎯 Role Definition

A Hydroponic Specialist is a hands-on expert responsible for the cultivation of plants in a soilless, water-based nutrient solution. This role is the backbone of any controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operation, involving the meticulous management of all variables that influence plant health, growth, and yield. From nutrient formulation and environmental control to pest management and harvesting, the Specialist ensures the entire crop lifecycle is optimized for quality and efficiency. They blend a deep understanding of plant science with practical technical skills to troubleshoot systems, analyze data, and drive continuous improvement within the facility.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Horticulture Technician or Assistant Grower
  • Recent Graduate (Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy)
  • Agricultural Research Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Head Grower or Lead Hydroponic Specialist
  • Cultivation Manager or Farm Manager (CEA)
  • Director of Cultivation or VP of Operations

Lateral Moves:

  • R&D Scientist (Plant Nutrition or Crop Science)
  • Aquaponics or Vertical Farming Consultant
  • Crop Manager for a specific plant category

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage the day-to-day operations of commercial-scale hydroponic systems, including Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), and ebb-and-flow systems.
  • Meticulously monitor, analyze, and adjust water quality parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature, to maintain optimal growing conditions.
  • Develop, mix, and manage complex nutrient solution recipes tailored to specific crop varieties and their growth stages.
  • Execute a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, including regular crop scouting, identification of pests and diseases, and application of biological and chemical controls.
  • Oversee and fine-tune environmental control systems, managing lighting schedules (PAR, DLI), air temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels to maximize plant growth and health.
  • Plan and direct all cultivation activities, from seeding and germination to transplanting, pruning, and harvesting, ensuring production targets are met.
  • Perform routine calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of essential equipment, including sensors, pumps, dosers, irrigation lines, and environmental control hardware.
  • Maintain rigorous and detailed records of all cultivation activities, including crop cycles, yields, nutrient usage, environmental data, and pest/disease incidents using farm management software.
  • Conduct research and development trials to test new crop cultivars, nutrient formulas, lighting strategies, or growing techniques to enhance yield, quality, and efficiency.
  • Ensure strict adherence to food safety protocols and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), maintaining a clean and sanitary growing environment at all times.
  • Lead and train junior growers, technicians, and farm hands on standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and best cultivation practices.
  • Analyze crop health and production data to identify trends, diagnose issues, and make proactive, data-informed decisions to improve cultivation strategies.
  • Manage the inventory of all cultivation supplies, including seeds, growing media, nutrients, fertilizers, and IPM agents, and coordinate procurement as needed.
  • Collaborate with the post-harvest team to ensure proper handling, grading, and packing procedures are followed to maintain product quality and extend shelf life.
  • Provide detailed reports and presentations on production metrics, operational challenges, and R&D trial outcomes to the management team.
  • Support the design, installation, and commissioning of new or expanded hydroponic growing systems within the facility.
  • Stay informed about the latest industry trends, scientific research, and technological advancements in controlled environment agriculture and hydroponics.
  • Implement and monitor sanitation protocols for all growing systems, tools, and production areas between crop cycles to prevent contamination.
  • Diagnose and resolve plant physiological disorders, such as nutrient deficiencies or toxicities, through visual inspection and data analysis.
  • Operate and manage automated fertigation systems to ensure precise and timely delivery of water and nutrients to crops.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc R&D trials and exploratory growing experiments to test new technologies or methodologies.
  • Contribute to the farm's overall sustainability strategy, with a focus on water conservation and energy efficiency.
  • Collaborate with sales and operations teams to provide accurate forecasts on crop availability, quality, and harvest timing.
  • Participate in daily team huddles and weekly planning meetings to ensure operational alignment and effective communication across departments.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep expertise in operating and maintaining various hydroponic systems (NFT, DWC, Aeroponics, etc.).
  • Advanced proficiency in water chemistry management, including testing and adjusting pH, EC, and nutrient levels.
  • Strong knowledge of plant nutrition and experience formulating custom nutrient recipes.
  • Practical experience with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and identifying common pests and diseases in a CEA setting.
  • Familiarity with environmental control systems and software (e.g., Priva, Argus, Hoogendoorn).
  • Solid understanding of plant science, physiology, and the specific needs of leafy greens, herbs, or vine crops.
  • Competency in data collection, logging, and analysis for crop performance tracking and decision-making.
  • Knowledge of food safety standards and protocols, such as GAP and HACCP.
  • Mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting and repairing pumps, plumbing, sensors, and other farm equipment.
  • Experience with crop scheduling and production planning to meet commercial demand.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel or specialized farm management software for record-keeping and reporting.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and observational skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Adaptability to a fast-paced and constantly evolving environment.
  • Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills.
  • Proactive and self-motivated with a strong work ethic.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • An Associate's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of formal training and significant hands-on experience in a commercial growing operation.

Preferred Education:

  • A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a closely related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Horticulture
  • Plant Science / Crop Science
  • Agronomy
  • Biology (with a focus on botany)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of direct, hands-on experience in a commercial hydroponic, greenhouse, or vertical farming facility.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of experience, including responsibility for managing large-scale crop production (e.g., over 10,000 sq. ft.) in a highly automated environment. Experience leading a small team of growers or technicians is a significant asset.
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