Greenhouse Manager

Position Overview

Greenhouse managers watch over the daily operations that occur at a nursery or greenhouse. The plants they grow may be for commercial sale or research, depending on the organization. While their job duties will vary with season and employer, they generally maintain the greenhouse facilities, train staff, keep updated and accurate records, and plant seeds. They work with various types of customers to provide excellent service, whether it be your local consumer or other businesses interested in the plants being produced. Examples of greenhouse plants include: vegetable, ornamental, herbs, or flowers. Greenhouse manager's daily tasks seek to maintain plant nutrition, use effective plant breeding techniques, and protect plants from diseases or pests. They use various tools and equipment to implement these methods, such as irrigation and HVAC equipment. They are often required to write up progress reports to see that environmental regulations are being followed.

Greenhouse Manager Duties

• Create a reasonable budget for the greenhouse, considering equipment maintenance, seed, and staff costs
• Train and oversee other greenhouse staff, ensuring safety procedures are followed
• Provide excellent customer service
• Plant and harvest numerous plant varieties
• Control plant and seed inventory
• Stay current on industry trends to keep greenhouse / nursery as efficient in their operations as possible
• Effectively use and maintain greenhouse equipment
• Maintain plant breeding records
• Forecast greenhouse demand for various plants to plan appropriately
• Provide accurate recommendations for potting and fertilization
• Educate others on plant life and common diseases and pests

Typical Employers

• Research companies
• Universities
• Nurseries
• Plant wholesalers
• Agricultural organizations

Required Education and Training

Greenhouse managers should have an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in greenhouse management, floriculture, horticulture, or plant sciences. Candidates may be hired without a degree if they have previous plant breeding or greenhouse experience.

Key Skills and Qualities

• Excellent communication skills
• Good leadership and / or supervisory skills
• Ability to follow safety and environmental regulations
• Exceptional record keeping skills
• Ability to create and manage a budget effectively
• Can stand on their feed for long periods of time in humid conditions
• Genuine interest in horticulture
• Good customer service skills

Average Salary

The average salary for a greenhouse manager is £37,000. This range varies between £25,000 and £52,000, depending on experience level and the employer.