A greenhouse manager is in charge of all of the day-to-day operations of a greenhouse or nursery. He is usually in charge of the inventory, as well as managing and supervising the staff. The manager may also ensure that greenhouse policies and procedures adhere to environmental, horticultural, and agricultural regulations.
The manager regularly stocks a wide range of trees, flowers, and plants, depending on the physical size of the greenhouse. If he doesn’t have enough space, he can limit his inventory to one of these three greenhouse staples, or he can only carry varieties native to his region. If space allows, the greenhouse manager may keep items like soil, fertilizer, compost, and staking materials on hand.
A greenhouse manager’s success depends on his or her ability to understand a wide range of plant life. He should be able to cultivate, propagate, and, if necessary, harvest a wide range of plants. Flowers, trees, shrubs, mushrooms, and other plants are common examples. Customers rely on his expertise when it comes to designing and implementing landscaping and garden plans.
A greenhouse manager is also expected to be well-versed in plant varieties and make recommendations on the best soil ingredients and nutrients. He is frequently asked for advice on fertilizer, pesticide, and disease control chemical selection and application. Customers will occasionally bring him a failing or diseased plant or flower for diagnosis and recommendations on how to restore it to health.
The greenhouse manager is usually also in charge of the physical facilities. He is frequently responsible for the upkeep and repair of the property. The manager inspects the irrigation systems in the greenhouse on a regular basis for regulation and placement. He may also keep an eye on the greenhouse all year to make lighting and soil adjustments based on plant rotations and seasons.
Aside from site and plant maintenance, the manager is usually in charge of the company’s administration. Accounting and bookkeeping, as well as advertising and promotion, are usually his responsibilities. He is usually in charge of screening, hiring, and training his staff if he has one. The greenhouse manager frequently updates his staff on new techniques and plant varieties as they become available.
Because consumer tastes change and new horticultural practices are introduced on a regular basis, a greenhouse manager should be aware of current trends and developments. He is frequently regarded as an expert in his field and is frequently sought out for advice on plant selection, care, and maintenance. On-site computer-based horticultural programs are frequently available to customers and staff to answer questions.
An associate’s degree in horticulture or a related field is usually required to work as a greenhouse manager. Smaller businesses may promote employees to the position based on their exceptional performance and knowledge. A minimum of five years of continuous employment with the same company is often required for an internal promotion.