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.