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greenhouse supervisor

title: Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Greenhouse Supervisor
salary: $55,000 - $75,000 Annually (Note: This is a general market estimate and may vary by location, experience, and company size.)
categories: [Agriculture, Horticulture, Management, Operations]
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a a Greenhouse Supervisor.

🎯 Role Definition

A Greenhouse Supervisor is the on-the-ground leader and horticultural expert who orchestrates the daily symphony of a thriving greenhouse. This role is a blend of science, leadership, and hands-on operational management. You are the vital link between high-level cultivation strategy and the day-to-day execution that brings it to life. A successful Greenhouse Supervisor ensures that every plant receives a meticulous standard of care, from propagation to shipment, while leading a team of growers and technicians to achieve peak performance. This position is fundamentally about cultivating both plants and people, driving quality, efficiency, and a positive, safety-first culture within the controlled environment of the greenhouse.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Lead Greenhouse Technician
  • Experienced Horticulturist or Grower
  • Propagation Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Greenhouse Manager
  • Director of Cultivation
  • Operations Manager (Agriculture)

Lateral Moves:

  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Coordinator
  • Research & Development Specialist (Horticulture)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee, direct, and coordinate the daily activities of the greenhouse team, including growers, technicians, and seasonal labor, ensuring all production targets and quality standards are consistently met.
  • Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive crop production schedules, from seeding and propagation to finishing and shipping, ensuring precise alignment with sales forecasts and seasonal demand.
  • Monitor and manage all aspects of the greenhouse environment, including temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, lighting, and ventilation, by expertly utilizing environmental control computer systems (e.g., Priva, Argus).
  • Lead and execute the facility's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Disease Management (IDM) programs, including diligent scouting, accurate diagnostics, and the strategic application of biological, cultural, and chemical controls.
  • Manage all plant nutrition and irrigation programs, overseeing the precise mixing of fertilizers, operation of irrigation systems (drip, boom, ebb and flow), and regular testing of water, soil, and plant tissue to maintain optimal nutrient levels.
  • Champion a robust safety culture by enforcing and promoting adherence to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and Worker Protection Standards (WPS), including proper handling of equipment and chemicals.
  • Conduct rigorous and consistent quality control checks throughout the entire growth cycle to ensure all plants meet stringent specifications for health, size, color, and uniformity before they are shipped.
  • Manage the inventory of all growing supplies, such as growing media, containers, fertilizers, pesticides, and other essential materials, and coordinate procurement to prevent any disruption to production.
  • Actively train, mentor, and develop greenhouse staff, providing ongoing constructive feedback, conducting performance evaluations, and identifying opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records of all growing activities, including planting dates, chemical applications, environmental data, labor allocation, and production yields for analysis, reporting, and continuous improvement.
  • Proactively troubleshoot and resolve cultivation and operational issues as they arise, such as equipment malfunctions, pest outbreaks, or crop failures, implementing swift and effective corrective actions.
  • Collaborate closely with the Head Grower or Greenhouse Manager to plan for future crops, assist in trialing new plant varieties, and implement innovative growing techniques to improve efficiency and final product quality.
  • Ensure the proper maintenance, calibration, and repair of all greenhouse equipment, including irrigation systems, environmental controllers, booms, conveyors, and heating/cooling systems, to minimize downtime.
  • Coordinate seamlessly with the shipping and logistics department to guarantee that customer orders are fulfilled accurately and that plants are properly prepared, staged, and packed for safe transport.
  • Lead the hands-on execution of all propagation activities, including sticking cuttings, sowing seeds, and transplanting plugs, ensuring high success rates and uniform development of young plants.
  • Monitor and manage labor efficiency and workflow, assigning daily tasks and adjusting staff placement to optimize productivity and meet deadlines without compromising quality or safety.
  • Develop and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all key cultivation tasks to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all shifts and team members.
  • Manage water quality and treatment systems, ensuring water sources are tested and treated as necessary to meet the specific requirements of the crops being grown.
  • Oversee greenhouse sanitation protocols, ensuring that a clean and organized work environment is maintained to prevent pest and disease introduction and proliferation.
  • Participate in the development of the annual operating budget for the greenhouse, providing data-backed input on labor requirements, supply needs, and potential capital expenditures.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover trends in crop performance or operational efficiency.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader data and cultivation strategy and help shape the technology roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units, such as Sales and Marketing, to translate data and production needs into clear engineering and growing requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies within the production and management teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep expertise in operating and programming greenhouse environmental control systems (e.g., Priva, HortiMax, Argus).
  • Strong scientific knowledge of horticulture, including plant physiology, pathology, soil science, and entomology.
  • Proven proficiency in developing and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, with a strong emphasis on biological controls.
  • Hands-on experience with a variety of automated and manual irrigation and fertigation systems, including drip, boom, and ebb-and-flow.
  • Competency in crop scheduling and production planning, with experience using relevant software or advanced Excel skills.
  • Familiarity with the safe operation and basic mechanical maintenance of common horticultural equipment.
  • Possession of a state-issued Pesticide Applicator's License or the ability to obtain one shortly after hiring.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities, with a talent for motivating, mentoring, and holding a team accountable.
  • Advanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, especially when under pressure to diagnose crop or system issues.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey instructions and report on outcomes.
  • A high level of attention to detail and outstanding organizational skills to manage multiple complex processes simultaneously.
  • Adaptability and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where conditions can change rapidly.
  • A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for results.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

An Associate's Degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of formal training and extensive hands-on experience in a commercial production environment.

Preferred Education:

A Bachelor's Degree is highly preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Horticulture
  • Plant Science
  • Agronomy
  • Agricultural Business

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A minimum of 3-5 years of progressive, hands-on experience working in a commercial-scale greenhouse or controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facility.

Preferred:

At least 1-2 years of experience in a lead grower, team lead, or supervisory capacity, demonstrating the ability to manage people and processes effectively.

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