Landscape Nursery Manager/Grower

Job Summary: We are looking for an individual who is passionate about plants and is motivated, dedicated, and a self-starter to fill the role of Landscape Nursery Manager/Grower and to lead our nursery team in sunny Florida! In this role, you'll be responsible for cultivating a variety of ornamental plants, including trees, shrubs, palms, ornamental grasses and foliage crops, unique to Florida's climate. Your expertise will contribute to the production of high-quality plant material that flourish in our local environment, whether for our landscaping or wholesale customers’ purposes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plant Health Care & Maintenance: Propagate, cultivate, and maintain a variety of ornamental plants, with a focus on species suited to South Florida's climate. Plants should be maintained with the aim of complying with the Florida Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants.
• Plant Scouting: Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests, diseases, and environmental stress, ensuring timely intervention using appropriate treatments and best management practices.
• Soil & Fertilization Management: Regularly monitor, test, and amend soil, applying fertilizers and soil amendments that promote optimal health and growth for Florida plants.
• Irrigation Management: Manage irrigation systems according to Florida’s weather patterns, ensuring proper soil moisture for plant health, particularly during dry periods. Frequent inspections and maintenance of spray stakes and overhead irrigation systems.
• Pruning & Trimming: Prune and trim plants to maintain their appearance, prolong their shelf life, encourage healthy growth, and enhance the overall quality of the plants.
• Weed Control: Monitor and identify weed growth and administer a control strategy utilizing manual and chemical processes to maintain a clean nursery and weed free crops.
• Pest & Disease Control: Apply integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to address common Florida pests, such as aphids, scale, spider mites, and whiteflies. Maintain records to comply with the Worker Protection Standard (WPS).
• Inventory Management & Plant Production: Maintain accurate records of planting dates, plant varieties, stock levels, and stage of plant readiness for sale, ensuring a consistent and healthy supply for customers. Ensure plants are ready for sale and transplanting for target project dates for internal use and during peak sales seasons for wholesale sales. Order plant material (liners and finished product) as necessary to meet production and sales goals.
• Wholesale Sales: Assist customers with plant selections with an emphasis of using the right plant in the right place, provide expert advice on plant care for Florida's climate, and help them find the ideal plants for their landscape needs.
• Employee Supervision: Hire, train, and supervise nursery staff. Assign tasks and delegate responsibilities. Provide ongoing training on plant care, growing processes, and safety.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all safety regulations, guidelines, and common sense related to pesticide use (WPS), tool handling, and equipment operation to maintain a safe work environment.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science or experience in nursery or greenhouse operations, particularly in a tropical climate. OR…..
• Certification in horticulture, landscaping, or a related field. OR……
• Prior experience in horticulture, with specific knowledge of ornamental/native plants and landscaping in Florida (preferred minimum experience 2 years).
• Familiarity with Florida’s climate, plant varieties, and common pests/diseases affecting ornamental plants.
• Hands-on growing experience, including propagation, pruning, fertilization, and pest management.
• Ability to operate and maintain nursery equipment, including tractors, irrigation systems, pruning tools, and greenhouse systems.
• Comfortable working outdoors in Florida's warm, humid environment and occasional thunderstorms.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify plant health issues early, ensuring that plants meet high-quality standards.
• Knowledge of organic farming or sustainable practices is a plus, especially for growing in Florida's environmentally conscious market.
• Understanding of financial management, inventory control, and sales strategies
• Basic computer skills: Ability to use software for record-keeping and inventory management.
• Already have or the ability to obtain a Florida Private Pesticide Applicator License
• Must have a valid Florida driver license and transportation
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus, as Florida’s diverse population may require communication with customers and employees in both languages.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily outdoor work in a nursery setting, with exposure to Florida's sun, rain, and humidity.
• Clerical work in an air-conditioned office located at the nursery.
• Some lifting, bending, and physical labor required. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and walk around for long durations.
• Flexible work schedule, including occasional weekends, especially during busy planting seasons.

Salary: $45,000 , Commensurate with experience

Benefits: paid time off, federal holidays

If you are passionate about cultivating high quality landscape plants at a growing Florida nursery, we want to hear from you! Apply today to be part of our dedicated nursery team and help bring the beauty of Florida's landscape to life.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Naples, FL 34117 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42,000 - $45,000