Horticulture Operations Manager

Company Description

Sun Bulb Company, Inc. - Better Gro Companies LLC, located in Arcadia, FL, is a renowned supplier of orchids, orchid supplies, home décor accents, and specialty fertilizers in the tropical plant industry. With over 50 years of experience, the company prides itself on delivering quality, value, and beauty through its flagship brand of BETTER-GRO® products.

The Horticulture Operations Manager at Sun Bulb Company will oversee crop-growing operations at our two greenhouse facilities in Arcadia, FL, and provide oversight for one sister company greenhouses in Central FL. This role is responsible for the care and management of greenhouse operations, applying principles of plant cultivation and protection. Sun Bulb Company, known for growing and marketing the largest variety of orchids in the U.S., has been in business for over 65 years. This is a hands-on position that also involves managing internal crops, as well as coordinating operations with sister companies and contract growers.

Reports To:

Director of Operations

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the main contact for contract growers and sister company operations.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate staff activities related to planting, cultivating, and harvesting various orchid varieties.
• Train new employees on cultivation techniques such as spacing, grading, irrigation, and pest control.
• Supervise and manage greenhouse personnel, ensuring proper training in techniques for orchid cultivation.
• Monitor labor efficiency, adjusting crew operations to meet performance goals.
• Ensure labor meets company standards, and manage underperformance as needed.
• Oversee biological pest control and ensure best cultural practices are implemented.
• Enforce safety policies and crop sanitation practices.
• Maintain accurate crop data, including weekly growth, climate, and production reports.
• Inspect facilities for maintenance issues and assign repairs to the appropriate teams.
• Act as a resource for plant identification and care, contributing to the company’s consumer education efforts.

Requirements:

• At least 3 years of experience in commercial greenhouse production, with a preference for orchid cultivation.
• Experience in crop planning and greenhouse management.
• Management experience, with at least 2 direct reports whose staff will also report to this position.
• Ability to identify plant problems (diseases, pests) and coordinate effective solutions.
• Strong organizational skills to lead daily operations.
• Strong verbal and analytical skills to interact with all levels of employees and management.
• Experience in budgeting and forecasting crop expenses, availability, and yields.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and greenhouse management software.
• Availability to work weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug/alcohol screening and background check.
• Pesticide Applicator License/Certification and WPS training.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agricultural Business/Science, or a related field with an agricultural emphasis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Passion for growing orchids, with in-depth knowledge of various orchid cultivars.
• Experience with epiphytic plants, specifically orchids, and their growing needs.
• Understanding of greenhouse structures, systems, and maintenance requirements.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to handle and work around farming chemicals while wearing Personal Protective Equipment.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, with occasional lifting of up to 100 pounds.
• Perform job duties requiring standing, walking, sitting, handling tools, reaching, balancing, stooping, and hearing.
• Work outdoors on uneven terrain, including during extreme temperatures (100°F during summer and below 32°F during frost protection).
• Ability to climb ladders and work day or night shifts outdoors.