Greenhouse Manager

Overview

McKinstry Market Garden, a family-run farm in Chicopee, MA, is seeking an experienced Greenhouse Manager to oversee operations in our brand-new 17,000-square-foot greenhouse. We specialize in growing bedding flowers, vegetable field starters, and are expanding into hydroponic vegetable production. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plant care and management, with the ability to lead a team while ensuring optimal growing conditions for our plants. This role involves both hands-on work and strategic planning, making it essential for the candidate to possess excellent organizational and communication skills.

Duties

• Manage all aspects of greenhouse operations, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
• Monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light levels to ensure optimal plant growth.
• Supervise and train staff on best practices for plant care and greenhouse maintenance.
• Conduct regular inspections of plants to identify diseases or pests and implement appropriate treatment plans.
• Maintain accurate records of plant growth, inventory levels, and greenhouse conditions using basic math skills for calculations.
• Oversee irrigation systems to ensure efficient water usage and proper hydration of plants.
• Collaborate with other departments to coordinate planting schedules and product availability.
• Utilize mechanical knowledge to maintain and repair greenhouse equipment as needed.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and best practices in outdoor work environments.

Requirements

• Oversee seeding, fertilizing, and watering of greenhouse crops
• Monitor plant health, pest management, and nutrient programs
• Manage hydroponic production of select vegetable crops
• Regulate greenhouse climate, irrigation, and fertility systems
• Coordinate planting schedules to align with farm and retail needs
• Maintain records of plant production, inputs, and environmental controls
• Ensure greenhouse cleanliness, efficiency, and equipment maintenance
• Proven experience in greenhouse management or a related field such as gardening, farming, or landscaping.
• Strong plant identification skills with the ability to recognize various species and their specific care needs.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions while performing physical tasks that may include lifting or moving materials.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail for maintaining accurate records.
• A passion for horticulture and a commitment to sustainable practices in plant care.

Qualifications:

• Experience in greenhouse growing, hydroponics, or horticulture
• Strong knowledge of plant nutrition, pest control, and irrigation systems
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Organizational skills to manage multiple crops and schedules
• Mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting greenhouse systems is a plus

This is an exciting opportunity to lead greenhouse production at a historic farm while helping us expand into hydroponics!

Join us in growing fresh, local, and sustainable crops for our community!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000