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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hydroponics Specialist

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

AgricultureHorticultureControlled Environment AgriculturePlant ScienceVertical Farming

🎯 Role Definition

A Hydroponics Specialist is the technical and scientific backbone of a modern controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facility. They are part scientist, part farmer, and part engineer, meticulously managing the complex interplay of nutrients, water, light, and climate to cultivate high-quality crops without soil. This role is pivotal in ensuring the operational success, sustainability, and profitability of vertical farms, commercial greenhouses, and research institutions. At the heart of this position is a deep understanding of plant physiology and a hands-on approach to problem-solving, ensuring that crops thrive and production targets are consistently met. They are the guardians of plant health and the drivers of innovation within the growing system.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Greenhouse Technician
  • Agricultural Research Assistant
  • Horticulture Intern / Apprentice

Advancement To:

  • Head Grower / Senior Grower
  • Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Facility Manager
  • Director of Cultivation / VP of Agriculture

Lateral Moves:

  • R&D Scientist (Plant Science)
  • Aquaponics Specialist
  • Agricultural Technology Sales or Support

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee the entire crop lifecycle, from seed propagation and germination to transplanting, daily cultivation, and final harvest, ensuring adherence to strict quality standards and production schedules.
  • Formulate, monitor, and precisely adjust hydroponic nutrient solutions, managing pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and dissolved oxygen levels to meet the specific needs of different crops and growth stages.
  • Implement and manage comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Disease Management (IDM) programs, focusing on preventative measures and the use of beneficial insects and biological controls.
  • Conduct daily scouting and systematic monitoring for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, documenting findings and executing timely, effective corrective actions to mitigate crop loss.
  • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of hydroponic systems, such as Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), ebb and flow, and vertical aeroponic towers.
  • Manage and optimize the facility's environment by controlling and programming automated systems for lighting (including photoperiod and intensity), temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and air circulation.
  • Collect, record, and meticulously analyze crop-related data, including germination rates, growth metrics, yield data, and environmental parameters, to inform growing strategies and improve efficiency.
  • Develop, refine, and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of cultivation, sanitation, and food safety to ensure consistency and compliance.
  • Perform regular calibration and maintenance of all monitoring sensors, probes (pH, EC, DO), and dosing equipment to ensure accuracy and system reliability.
  • Manage the fertigation schedule and equipment, ensuring the precise and timely delivery of water and nutrients to all crops throughout the facility.
  • Plan and execute controlled experiments and research trials on new crop varieties, nutrient recipes, lighting strategies, or growing substrates to drive innovation and enhance production outcomes.
  • Maintain detailed and organized records of all growing activities, including planting dates, nutrient adjustments, pest control applications, and harvest yields, for traceability and analysis.
  • Ensure the facility and all growing practices are in strict compliance with food safety regulations and certifications, such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and HACCP.
  • Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior growers, technicians, and farm operators on best practices in hydroponic cultivation and plant care.
  • Manage the inventory of essential growing supplies, including seeds, nutrients, substrates, and IPM agents, and coordinate purchasing to prevent production delays.
  • Perform routine system cleaning and sanitation of reservoirs, irrigation lines, and grow systems to prevent the buildup of algae, biofilms, and pathogens.
  • Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams to identify and resolve issues with HVAC, plumbing, lighting, and other critical farm infrastructure.
  • Develop accurate harvest forecasts and coordinate closely with sales, packaging, or distribution teams to ensure a smooth transition from production to market.
  • Stay current with the latest scientific research, industry trends, and technological advancements in hydroponics, vertical farming, and controlled environment agriculture.
  • Analyze water quality reports and manage the water treatment, filtration, and sterilization systems to ensure the water source is optimal for hydroponic use.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with ad-hoc research and development projects, including exploratory trials on new cultivars or growing substrates.
  • Contribute to the facility's sustainability and resource optimization strategy, suggesting improvements for water and energy use.
  • Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to translate operational needs into system improvements or repairs.
  • Participate in daily team huddles, weekly planning sessions, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and safety.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Plant Science & Physiology: Deep knowledge of plant nutrition, plant pathology, and the specific environmental needs of various leafy greens, herbs, and vine crops.
  • Hydroponic Systems Expertise: Hands-on experience operating and maintaining multiple types of hydroponic systems (e.g., NFT, DWC, Aeroponics, Ebb and Flow).
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Proficiency in identifying common pests and diseases in CEA and implementing effective biological and cultural control strategies.
  • Nutrient Management: Skill in calculating, formulating, and adjusting multi-element nutrient solutions based on crop needs and water analysis.
  • Environmental Control Systems: Familiarity with operating and programming climate control software and hardware (e.g., Priva, Argus, or similar systems) for HVAC, lighting, and CO2.
  • Data Collection & Analysis: Ability to use sensors, software, and spreadsheets to collect, track, and interpret crop and environmental data to make informed decisions.
  • Food Safety Protocols: Working knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), HACCP, and general food safety and sanitation standards in a production environment.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Competency in troubleshooting and performing basic maintenance on pumps, plumbing, sensors, and other automated system components.
  • Water Quality Management: Understanding of water chemistry and experience with water filtration, sterilization (UV, ozone), and reverse osmosis systems.
  • Research & Experimentation: Ability to design, execute, and document controlled trials to test new variables in a systematic, scientific manner.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in identifying issues, diagnosing root causes, and implementing effective solutions for plant health or system failures.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: Extremely observant and precise in all tasks, from scouting for tiny pests to measuring nutrient inputs.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to respond quickly to changing environmental conditions, crop issues, or operational priorities in a dynamic setting.
  • Analytical Thinking: Capable of interpreting complex data sets to recognize trends, draw conclusions, and optimize growing protocols.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Self-motivated and dedicated, with a willingness to perform hands-on, sometimes repetitive tasks to ensure crop success.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams (engineering, sales, management) and clearly communicate technical information.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple crop cycles, tasks, and priorities simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Horticulture
  • Plant Science
  • Agronomy
  • Environmental Science
  • Biology or a related agricultural science field.

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a commercial-scale controlled environment agriculture (CEA) setting, such as a hydroponic greenhouse or vertical farm.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience managing the production of leafy greens, herbs, or vine crops in a commercial hydroponic system.
  • Proven track record of improving yield, quality, and operational efficiency.
  • Experience in a startup environment or in commissioning a new agricultural facility.
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