Careers in Agricultural Business and Management

Greenhouse Manager

Job Description

The cultivation of plants in a controlled environment is the domain of a greenhouse manager, who may grow vegetables and herbs, ornamental plants or rare flowers from seeds or cuttings to be used for research, wholesale or commercial use. These professionals supervise plant-breeding and cross-hybridization, plant nutrition and protection, pest and disease control, harvesting and the maintenance of systems controlling the greenhouse environment, such as HVAC and irrigation. They supervise and train staff, control inventory of seeds and plants, create progress reports and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Greenhouse managers may also create budgets, meet with research personnel and interact with customers of commercial greenhouses.

Skills

• Greenhouse managers must be experts in horticulture, plant cultivation, pest and disease control and greenhouse technology
• They must have strong communication, training, management and supervisory skills, as well as knowledge of safety and environmental regulations
• Computer and recordkeeping skills are essential
• Greenhouse managers working in commercial facilities also need strong customer service, budgeting and inventory management skills.
• People working in greenhouses must be able to work in warm, humid conditions

Preparation

Careers generally require an associate degree in greenhouse management or the related fields of technical agricultural or floriculture; a bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant sciences or agriculture is another option. Some employers will accept a high school diploma when accompanied with greenhouse or plant breeding experience. Extension programs in greenhouse management are also offered through many universities.

Source: Education Portal