Greenhouse Head Growing Manager (5+ years experience)

Head Growing Manager
Full-Time | Year-Round | Start Date: ASAP
One Weekend shift required

Position Overview
Claussen’s is currently seeking an experienced and licensed Head Growing Manager to join our team managing all facets of growing, watering, and crop maintenance.

The right candidate must be passionate about horticulture and have a formal education in plant & soil science, and an active Vermont Chemical Application license is required. Professional nursery experience with ornamental plants, houseplants, annuals, vegetables, perennials, and seasonal crops is required.

The head grower is responsible for the overall growing and maintenance of plants to ensure proper plant growth and health. These responsibilities would include knowledge of pest infestation, irrigation management, VT chemical application license, pruning techniques as well as the knowledge and ability to recognize plant health problems. This position also includes the ability to measure and correctly mix and apply fertilizer as per established protocols. Candidates should have 5 years growing experience in a greenhouse environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Controls the production/growing of multiple seasonal crops (e.g., annuals, chrysanthemums, poinsettias) through daily watering, fertilizing, pest management, and plant health monitoring.
• Develop and manage growing and care protocols for plant material.
• Maintain propagation ideals and growing schedules for all production crops to ensure adequate rooting and growth.
• Manage plant nutrition and protection, pest and disease control.
• Manage crop records such as pesticide applications, fertilizations and watering schedules, etc.
• Manage and order all fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, growth regulators and equipment.
• Manager soil testing, fertilizer analysis and tissue testing pertaining to plant health.
• Set and monitor watering and fertilization schedules to maintain optimum growth.
• Communicate quality or scheduling problems to appropriate parties in a timely manner.
• Communicate with others on growing staff as to changes in procedures, crop requirements, assignments for propagators, etc.
• Daily Environmental controls and regulations checks.
• Required to wear and communicate via a radio to be available for problem solving and providing information to staff.
• Full-time (40 hrs), year-round position, weekend hours are required.
• Willingness to work overtime, evening and weekends hours.
• Maintain compliance with Department of Agriculture and regulatory requirements, including record-keeping for materials, plant sourcing, fertilizers and chemical applications.
• Ensure greenhouses and systems (watering, heating, ventilation) are clean, organized, and functioning properly.
• Collaborate with teams to anticipate workload needs and maintain cross-department support.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, and supervise a team to meet seasonal production goals.
• Foster efficiency, quality, and a positive work environment through effective leadership and communication.
• Manage and schedule work for growing & watering staff.
• Monitor employees to ensure all safety rules, housekeeping rules and procedures are adhered to.
• Ensure the schedule for proper maintenance of greenhouses and equipment is followed by growing and maintenance staff.
• Contribute to team development through educational activities and organizational planning.

Qualifications
Required

• Minimum AA degree/BA degree in Horticulture or related field preferred.
• Minimum of Five (5) years in propagating and/or growing experience in container products.
• Current State of Vermont pesticide license required.
• Effectively demonstrate leadership skills through setting a good role model for others, using interpersonal skills when dealing with difficult matters
• Ability to effectively communicate using verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with employee issues or in dealing with other supervisors and managers.
• Ability to analyze and make decisions on best methods while using good judgment and working with your team.
• Hands-on approach to management in diverse weather conditions and physical tasks.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay: Compensation is based upon previous work and educational experience. Overtime is available.
• Benefits include health insurance, 401K with employer match, PTO, paid sick time, and employee discounts.
• Opportunities for professional development, including industry conferences & training.

Job Details

• Location: On-site
• Schedule: Full Time, year-around position,
• One weekend day/shift is required, No exceptions.
• This is a physical position that requires adaptability to extreme fluctuating temperatures (indoor and outdoor) and environment, while on your feet for full 8 hour shifts.
• The ability to lift 30 lbs. is required.

Join our team and help grow exceptional plants while cultivating a dynamic and supportive work environment!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00 - $34.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Every weekend
• Extended hours
• Holidays
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed
• Year round work

Application Question(s):

• How many years of previous work experience do you have growing Seasonal Crops?
• Do you have a active Vermont Pesticide License?

Ability to Commute:

• Colchester, VT 05446 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $34