Entry Level R&D Coordinator

Description

 Company Overview

Who is Costa Farms? We’re one of the world’s largest horticultural growers—but without an ego to match our acreage. Our headquarters are in Miami, Florida, where we were founded in 1961. Costa Farms started on just 30 acres, and over the last 60 years, we’ve grown to more than 5,000 acres around the world. We have farms in North and South Carolina, Central and South Florida, and the Dominican Republic, plus an office in China. Costa Farms now employs nearly 6,000 people: engineers, marketers, accountants/analysts, human resources professionals, and of course, growers and plant scientists! 

Here at Costa Farms, we live by the values of H3: being Humble, staying Hungry, and always Hustling. The team rallies to the mission of being a lean, green, growing machine dedicated to enriching the world by bringing plants into everyone’s life. 

True to that mission, we grow more than 1,500 plant varieties. Driven by the spirit of innovation, the team is always testing new plants and developing new solutions to make it easier for retailers and plant parents to enjoy plants. We’re also continuously testing different ways of growing our plants to increase quality and improve their ecological footprint as one aspect of our many sustainability efforts. 

We cultivate plants, as well as a winning culture. Join the team, and you’ll find opportunities to learn and grow. You’ll collaborate with other driven, determined people who together keep Costa Farms an industry leader. You’ll support and be supported by a team that cares about each other, our customers, our consumers, and our community. 

You’ll also find right away that Costa Farms is committed to providing a diverse environment. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, military status, marital status or veteran status, or any other group status protected by federal, state, or local law. 

DESCRIPTION

 The R&D Coordinator is responsible for collaborating with various departments outside of R&D for materials needed to fulfill trial needs. Duties include production planning and scheduling, hard good and substrate requests, trial tagging, and assisting other operating units when required.  

Requirements

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Execute the production planning for the R&D team in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. 
• Schedule weekly production and request tags, hard goods, and substrate. 
• Post production adjustments for dumps, transfers, and receivals. 
• Generate Sowing, Sticking, and Potting reports as requested. 
• Coordinate with Operations, Production, Warehouse, Master Data, and Maintenance for R&D material needs. 
• Record keeping and organization of chemical orders, purchase orders, and trial packing lists. 
• Collaborate with R&D departments at other operating units to provide assistance as needed. 
• Stage and photograph material in full bloom for studio documentation as needed. 
• Upload and organize photos in designated folders. 
• Create and print trial material labels. 
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of garden, greenhouse, and office areas. 
• Conduct monthly audits for Workplace Organization (WPO) and implement action plans. 
• Create and submit Purchase Orders in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.  

Additional Responsibilities 

• Availability for flexible schedule changes based on business needs (including but not limited to seasonal demand and additional hours outside of the regular work schedule, such as weekends and holidays). 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather information or help as required. 
• Perform additional duties as required.       

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise instructions. 
• Strong computer skills with the ability to navigate ERPs and label printers. 
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. 

Physical Demands 

• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, 

Work Environment: 

• Mixed Indoor and Outdoor Environment: This position is primarily indoors but may require occasional outdoor work between locations for administrative tasks. Outdoor duties consist of tagging trial material and conducting WPO audits. Ability to work outdoors in fluctuating weather conditions, including exposure to sunlight, rain, wind, and temperature changes (hot, cold, rainy, windy).  

SKILLS 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to employees. 
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team-oriented environment. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion. 
• Effective time management skills to complete tasks within deadlines and maintain productivity. 
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment. 
• Data entry: input information quickly and accurately into various systems. 
• Photography skills for documentation. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to accept and facilitate change. 

COMPETENCIES 

• Plans and aligns 
• Collaborates 
• Interpersonal Savvy 
• Drives Results 

Here at Costa Farms, we're proud to offer not only a competitive wage, but also some really great benefits:

· Company 401(k) with employer matching contributions

· Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, and Dependent Care 

· Telehealth - Medical and Mental Health Care

· Medical Insurance 

· GAP Insurance

· Dental Insurance 

· Vision Insurance 

· Pet Insurance

· Supplemental Insurance (AFLAC) 

· Legal/ID Theft Protection plans

· Professional development opportunities 

· Challenging and exciting work environment 

· Costa Farms Scholarship 

· Employee discounts on plants 

Costa Farms headquarters in Miami, FL also has:

· On-site gym with showers  

· A subsidized on-site cafeteria, a designated quiet room, and indoor recreational activities are provided.  

· Love Where You Work activities throughout the year 

All applicants must be work-authorized.

Costa Farms will not sponsor any visa for this position.

After applying, connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and your go-to social platforms to stay updated on exciting developments at Costa Farms and build relationships with fellow plant enthusiasts on our team. Come Grow with Us™!