Head Grower and Farm Manager
POSITION: Head Grower & Farm Manager
COMPANY: Chestnut Hill Nursery, LLC
LOCATION: 15105 NW 94th Avenue, Alachua, FL 32615
Company Overview
Chestnut Hill Nursery is an established industry leader specializing in the production of high-quality, low-chill fruit, flowering, and landscape trees for the Southeastern U.S. Located just north of Gainesville, FL in the rolling hills of Alachua, Chestnut Hill has been family-owned and operated since its founding in the early 1980s.
Job Summary
Chestnut Hill Nursery is seeking a Nursery Grower/Manager to oversee all aspects of nursery production and farm management. This is a full-time leadership position offering long-term career growth with a respected and well-established horticultural business.
Job Requirements – Desired Skills & Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or related field
· Minimum 5+ years as a nursery grower
· Current Florida Pesticide Applicator License
· Expertise in plant propagation and nursery production
· Strong understanding of pest, disease, and weed control
· Proficient in Spanish
· Excellent organizational and management skills
· Proficiency in Excel and Google Drive to organize documentation
· Detail-oriented with a desire to learn and improve nursery operations
· Strong communication skills and ability to work closely with a diverse team
Key Responsibilities
Production Management
· Oversee all nursery production activities: production schedules, inventory management, ensure quality control and efficiency in the production process
· Lead the production crew by creating efficient work groups to complete daily tasks effectively
· Chemical and mechanical weed control
· Manage water and irrigation systems, fertilization, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
· Maintain accurate records of spray applications, fertilization, and all documentation required for production management and regulatory compliance
· Supervise pruning and general plant care throughout the growing season
Propagation Management
· Plan and manage propagation schedules
· Purchase seeds, liners, and propagation materials
· Oversee seed storage, stratification, germination, and mist bed rooting procedures
· Manage grafting programs, budding crews, and budwood collection
Farm & Equipment Oversight
· Full management of orchards, nursery grounds, and barns
· Coordinate maintenance of equipment: tractors, carts, trailers, walking coolers
· Oversee irrigation systems, including installation, repair, and time clock programming
Inventory & Purchasing
· Maintain inventory of nursery supplies (pots, soil, chemicals, stakes, tie tape, etc.)
· Maintain relationships with key suppliers (e.g., BWI, Dyke, SunGro, Syngenta)
Labor & Supervision
· Prioritize daily labor tasks and supervise nursery crew
· Conduct daily inspections to ensure plant health and productivity
· Maintain and update production records regularly
Compliance & Safety
· Train and manage spray personnel according to FL pesticide laws
· Maintain pesticide records and coordinate with the Florida Department of Agriculture for inspections
· Follow and enforce OSHA safety and risk management protocols
Collaboration
· Work closely with ownership to develop production goals and schedules
· Coordinate with office and sales staff to ensure plant inventory is ready for sale
· Build strong relationships with owners, team leads, and office staff
Weather & Emergency Preparedness
· Understand seasonal planting cycles and weather risks in North Florida
· Prepare for extreme weather events including hurricanes, freezes, and power outages
· Be available by cellphone (and occasionally in person) on weekends for emergency issues (e.g., irrigation failures), in coordination with staff
Commitment
We are seeking a long-term team member dedicated to the continued success and growth of Chestnut Hill Nursery.
Compensation & Benefits
· Starting Salary: [To be determined]
· Benefits: Paid vacation and holidays