What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Grower Intern - Summer 2026 position at Mastronardi Produce?
Job Title: Assistant Grower Intern
Location: Wapakoneta, OH - On Site
Duration: 10 Weeks
Summer Internship Cycle: June-August
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.
Primary Function:
The Assistant Grower Intern will support and assist the Head Grower 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 disease management.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Document, assist and consult with Grower 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 and Food Safety Regulations
- Data collection and analysis
Education/Background Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree in horticulture, agriculture, biology 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:
- Part-time on site in Wapakoneta, Ohio
- Flexible scheduling based on class schedules
- 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