Overview

Greenhouse managers are responsible for the daily operations involved with running a greenhouse or nursery. Depending upon the structure of the business you may work with the public or with possibly in a business to business arrangement. Greenhouses can be used for commercial plant purposes or in food production. 

What responsibilities will I have?

• Oversee inventory of plants
• Plan species to be planted in conjunction with holidays, climate, time of year.
• Provide supervision over greenhouse workers
• Be knowledgeable about the stages of plant life and diseases that may occur
• Preform harvest plants or their fruits
• Make recommendations on fertilizer and potting mediums
• Effectively manage greenhouse equipment and computer controls
• Explore ways to improve processes for more efficient growth and harvest yields 
• Maintain breeding records
• Forecast demand to determine plant populations
• Ensure that operation is compliant with environmental regulations

What education and training is required?

A bachelor’s degree in horticulture is preferred but can also have an associates degree.

To pursue a career as a Greenhouse Manager:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, a focus on sciences such as botany, biology, horticulture, and mathematics.   

Where can I work?

Greenhouse managers can work with a variety of plants including bedding plants, hydroponics, seed companies, shrubs or fresh flowers. Greenhouses could be owned by an independent owner or by a larger company.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The future outlook for greenhouse manager will be good over the next five years.  

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• Nursery Growers Association
• State Vegetable Growers Association
• Bedding Plant Growers Association