The Hydroponic Associate position is responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and monitoring of hydroponic systems at GetBlok Farms, LLC. This role ensures that crops are cultivated efficiently, equipment is properly maintained, and food safety standards are met in accordance with USDA Harmonized GAP+ requirements.

GetBlok.io is a technology leader in various aspects of technology innovation, including Agriculture Technology ("AgTech"). In our pursuit of bringing the latest technology to rural and disadvantaged areas of the world, we are actively hiring team members local to our innovation centers.

Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, located in Beaver County, Southwestern PA, is our pilot for implementing hyper-local, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable hydroponic produce year-round. GetBlok Farms, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GetBlok.io, pursues the mission to introduce a high-quality and reliable source of nutrition for local communities.

Core Responsibilities

A. Food Safety & Compliance

• Food safety is paramount to our business and will be of the utmost importance. The Hydroponic Associate will help foster a culture that puts customer safety as a top priority.

• Adopt and comply with all food safety requirements, including USDA Harmonized GAP+ standards.

• Ensure compliance with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols and record pest monitoring data in Crop Health Form.

• Consistently follow PPE requirements for food and chemical safety.

• Maintain personal hygiene and adhere to farm sanitation practices to prevent contamination.

• Complete required logs, including pH and EC monitoring, cleaning records, and crop health forms.

B. Crop Cultivation & Management

• Monitor plant growth and health, including checking for signs of disease, nutrient deficiencies, and pest activity.

• Cross-train and manage workflow processes from seeding, transplanting, harvesting, to packaging.

• Execute transplanting, pruning, and harvesting activities based on production schedules.

• Maintain accurate records of seeding, transplanting, growth stages, and yield data.

• Conduct daily pH and EC level measurements and make necessary nutrient adjustments.

• Ensure proper spacing and placement of crops within the hydroponic system to optimize yield.

C. System Maintenance & Sanitation

• Operate system machinery in a safe and efficient manner.

• Perform regular system checks to ensure optimal water circulation, nutrient distribution, and aeration.

• Clean and sanitize cultivation panels, irrigation lines, reservoirs, and other hydroponic equipment per the Farm Maintenance procedures.

• Assist in calibration and preventative maintenance activities per the Farm Maintenance and Preventative Maintenance SOP.

• Document and report system issues requiring repair or maintenance.

• General cleanup of the farm facility.

D. Inventory & Supplies Management

• Track and report inventory levels of fertilizers, seeds, and other cultivation supplies.

• Assist in ordering and restocking essential materials to prevent operational disruptions.

• Follow proper storage guidelines for hydroponic nutrients and farm supplies.

E. Data Collection & Reporting

• Record environmental data, including temperature, humidity, and light conditions, for analysis.

• Log yield metrics, including total yield, marketable yield, and waste yield, to support farm optimization efforts.

• Assist with analysis and recommendations for crop performance improvements based on recorded data.

F. General Farm Operations

• Participate in routine team meetings to discuss crop progress and operational improvements.

• Support farm-wide initiatives, including new crop trials and system upgrades.

• Assist with packing and distribution as needed, ensuring that harvested crops meet quality standards.

• Ability to work unsupervised for short periods of time.

• Ability to read and follow standard operating procedures.

• Willingness to raise issues with supervisors and management.

• Assist in driving a company culture of responsibility, collaboration, and mutual support.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• Prior experience with hydroponic farming or controlled environment agriculture is preferred.

• Knowledge of basic plant biology, hydroponic nutrient management, and water chemistry.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standardized protocols.

• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, physically active setting.

• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and cultivation methods.

• Good communication skills and ability to address workflow issues with management.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Reliable and consistent attendance.

• Agility and the ability to change tasks as needed based on the needs of the system.

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. intermittently.

• Able to work effectively in a range of temperatures (warm clothing provided when needed).

• A personality that helps foster an enjoyable and productive work environment.

Performance Metrics & Evaluation

• Accuracy and consistency in executing crop care activities.

• Compliance with food safety, sanitation, and maintenance protocols.

• Efficiency in recording and reporting essential farm data.

• Contribution to overall yield improvement and waste reduction efforts.

• Reliability in maintaining hydroponic system function and cleanliness.