TitleCultivation AdvisorLocationU.S. Remote with Regular TravelDepartmentCommercial Cultivation AdvisoryReports ToDirector of Cultivation ScienceJob TypeFull-Time | Exempt / SalaryABOUT HYDROBUILDER HOLDINGSHydrobuilder Holdings (HBH) was initially formed through the acquisitions of Hydrobuilder.com, a leading online retailer of hydroponics and horticultural supplies, GreenCoast Hydroponics, the second-largest hydroponics retailer in the United States, and Los Angeles, Calif.-based Elevated Equipment Supply, a full service equipment and supplies provider for the commercial cultivation and specialty agriculture industries. HBH has also acquired Way to Grow, a Colorado-based retailer of aeroponic, hydroponic, and greenhouse products, New England Hydroponics, a hydroponics retailer with locations in Massachusetts and Maine, as well as Home Grown Ventures (HGV) Nutrients, a manufacturer and distributor of a proprietary blend of water soluble nutrients used for commercial agriculture. Together, the six businesses create a leading omnichannel retailer of specialty agriculture and hydroponics equipment and supplies. OVERVIEW OF POSITIONThe Cultivation Advisor (CA) is an advanced field-based technical authority responsible for optimizing plant health, yield consistency, operational stability, and cost efficiency within licensed commercial cultivation facilities. Building upon the Systems Technician foundation, the CA is authorized to independently execute all field data collection and documentation responsibilities, interpret collected data, and deliver structured cultivation recommendations within Elevated's AgTech Program framework. The CA functions as an embedded agronomic partner - prioritizing service integrity, data continuity, and repeatable optimization processes over transactional engagement. All recommendations must be grounded in documented data, traceable within reporting systems, and aligned with ongoing optimization cycles.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Advanced Facility DiagnosticsExecute all Systems Technician field responsibilities including plant tissue, water, runoff, nutrient, and pathogen sampling; equipment diagnostics and system validation; environmental measurements and data capture; and facility documentation and asset trackingConduct structured cultivation assessments that go beyond data collection to evaluate systemic performance and identify drivers of operational inefficiencyEnvironmental Performance AnalysisEvaluate VPD, temperature, humidity, and airflow distribution across facility zonesIdentify microclimate inconsistencies and their impact on crop performanceAssess lighting uniformity, PPFD mapping, and DLI alignment by growth stageDiagnose environmental drivers contributing to plant stress or yield inconsistencyWater & Fertigation ValidationAssess source water quality across RO, municipal, and well sourcesReview nutrient solution chemistry and mixing accuracy against target parametersValidate fertigation system configuration, programming, and delivery timingInspect irrigation distribution, emitter performance, and dosing system calibrationRoot Zone & Substrate AnalyticsConduct EC and pH sampling across media types and growth stagesPerform dry-back and hydration pattern analysis to assess irrigation strategy alignmentIdentify root-zone stress indicators including salt buildup and oxygen limitationDiagnose irrigation strategy misalignment by cultivar and developmental phasePlant Health DiagnosticsUtilize testing data to identify macro and micronutrient deficiencies or toxicitiesDetect early indicators of pest or pathogen pressure before escalationEvaluate crop steering alignment across vegetative and flowering stagesAssess cultivar-specific performance inconsistencies and recommend corrective adjustmentsIPM & Pathogen Risk ReviewEvaluate sanitation protocols and identify workflow-level contamination risksReview spray schedules and biological control programs for efficacy and complianceIdentify recurring pest pressure patterns and root causesRecommend corrective adjustments aligned with approved best practicesEquipment Mapping & Lifecycle DocumentationDocument lighting systems, environmental controls, fertigation systems, and facility infrastructureRecord serial numbers, asset identifiers, system modifications, and upgradesMaintain equipment continuity records for diagnostic reference and lifecycle planningData Interpretation & Optimization Strategy DesignInterpret plant tissue, water, runoff, nutrient, and pathogen lab reportsIdentify recurring patterns, systemic inefficiencies, and structural versus anomalous issuesCorrelate environmental, irrigation, and nutrient data to measurable performance outcomesDesign corrective and preventative cultivation strategies grounded in documented dataRecommend structured testing cadence aligned with facility goals and optimization cyclesCultivation Health ReportingProduce a written Cultivation Health Report following each scheduled facility visitSummarize environmental, irrigation, and plant health findings with documented risks and priority corrective actionsOutline measurable next steps, follow-up timelines, and historical performance trendsUpdate CRM and internal systems to ensure continuity and data accuracy across all touchpointsProgram Integration & ExpansionRecommend appropriate service tier within the Grow Optimization Program based on facility diagnosticsConvert goodwill assessments into recurring testing or field service plansIdentify trigger-based optimization tracks spanning plant health, irrigation, and IPMReinforce structured subscription engagement over ad-hoc advisory interactionsEnsure all operational recommendations align with Elevated standards and supported solutions - the CA does not operate as a product salespersonCross-Functional CoordinationCollaborate with Commercial Account Executives, Lab Services teams, AgTech and data teams, Cultivation Strategists, Service Advisors, and Operations CoordinatorsAlign field findings with lab interpretation and communicate risks or escalation needs across departmentsSupport coordinated account strategy and ensure data consistency across all functional touchpointsIdentify performance gaps that justify expanded service engagementProfessional Standards & Documentation DisciplineMaintain strict biosecurity and facility etiquette standards across all client sitesOperate within defined advisory scope; avoid unsupported or undocumented recommendationsEnsure all guidance is documented, traceable, and communicated professionally in regulated environmentsProtect customer trust through disciplined, data-driven advisory practiceKEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS) Cultivation Health Report submission within 48 hours of facility visit: ≥ 95%Recommendation accuracy and data traceability: 100% of advisory outputs documented in CRMReduction in recurring environmental or plant health issues across assigned accounts: measurable improvement within 90-day optimization cyclesStructured testing cadence adoption rate: ≥ 90% of active accounts on recurring program trackProgram subscription retention across assigned client base: ≥ 90%Documentation completeness and accuracy rate: ≥ 98%Safety incident rate: 0 preventable incidentsKEY CHALLENGESTranslating complex, multi-variable diagnostic data into clear, actionable cultivation strategies while maintaining full documentation discipline and traceabilityBalancing independent advisory authority with the requirement that all recommendations remain grounded in documented data and aligned with Elevated's program frameworkManaging a geographically distributed client portfolio with consistent visit cadence, reporting quality, and biosecurity compliance across diverse facility types and operational maturity levelsNavigating client relationships in regulated commercial environments where trust, professionalism, and scope discipline are critical to service retentionDistinguishing recurring systemic issues from isolated anomalies when correlating environmental, irrigation, and lab data across multiple concurrent accountsJOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCEDemonstrated experience in commercial cannabis or controlled environment agriculture requiredAdvanced knowledge of plant nutrition, irrigation strategy, crop steering, and environmental control systemsExperience interpreting lab data - including tissue, water, runoff, and pathogen reports - and translating findings into structured cultivation strategyFamiliarity with AgTech sensor platforms, fertigation systems, and facility-level diagnosticsStrong written communication skills; ability to produce clear, professional Cultivation Health ReportsExperience with CRM systems and digital reporting platformsAbility to operate independently and with sound judgment in regulated commercial environmentsValid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly across assigned service territoryAbility to lift up to 50 lbs; comfortable working in humid, high-light, active production environmentsCOMPENSATION
Base Salary:
Starting at $75,000 annually, commensurate with experiencePerformance-based incentivesCompany vehicle providedGas reimbursementCell phone stipendBENEFITSComprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) plan with company matchPaid time off and holidaysProfessional development and training opportunitiesFlexible work schedule and remote work optionsIn addition to the responsibilities listed above, the employee may be asked to perform other duties as assigned by management.
