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Growing Operations Manager

Location

Landenberg

About Us

North Creek is a wholesale propagation nursery that grows perennials, grasses, and ferns, with a large selection of North American natives. We are committed to offering the highest quality starter plants in the industry. But quality plants are only part of the equation. North Creek is devoted to being the number one source for perennial, grass, and fern plugs by providing exceptional customer service, real-time availability, on-time delivery, the newest varieties plus time tested favorites and sustainable growing practices.

Position Summary

The Growing Operations Manager is responsible for all growing operations, as well as the supervision of all growers and will perform various operational and supervisory functions to ensure the effective function of the Operations Department at North Creek Nurseries by ensuring that prescribed schedules, policies, and procedures are followed.  Interested candidates:  email resume and cover letter to Human Resources Manager at employment@northcreeknurseries.com.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Maintain plant quality by incorporating integrated pest management techniques including scouting for pests and diseases, employing good cultural practices, and applying biological, bio-rationals and chemical controls
Scout weekly for pest and disease identification
Order beneficial insects and apply on a weekly basis
Maintain pesticide inventory; prepare annual chemical bids with Office Manager
Ensure nursery retains annual SANC certification through internal and PA Department of Ag audits
Make pesticide applications as needed and follow standard work procedures to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws
Train and supervise employees in all phases of growing and nursery operations—ensuring proper growing techniques and procedures
Walk houses for crop health and quality
Monitor plant performance to ensure quality material
Troubleshoot growing, stock, production, and propagation issues
Manage / monitor mist system and organize mist groupings
Review custom orders
Perform annual job reviews/performance evaluations for employees
Work with General Manager to manage department budget
Make recommendations regarding improved operating policies and procedures
Review and make recommendations to the production plan to make it more executable and profitable
Perform additional duties as required

Experience

Growing experience
Managerial experience helpful

Knowledge / Skills Required

Must have advanced plant and growing knowledge and techniques
Horticultural knowledge and understanding the use of perennials, grasses, ferns, and vines
Must have knowledge of pest control methods, safety, and application techniques
Ability to obtain and maintain a PA Pesticide applicators license
Understand different cultural requirements of plants based on where they grow in the landscape/field in order to properly care for and maintain the quality of product awaiting shipment
Be an excellent communicator with effective listening skills and be able to interact successfully with growers, managers, vendors, and customers
Ability to organize thoughts well and express them in a clear manner that is well received
Basic understanding of computers, including email and wireless devices (tablets, text messaging), as well as electronic monitoring systems, or willingness to learn (greenhouse control systems)
Must be able to do simple math calculations and conversions

Desired Skills

Ability to direct others in the completion of tasks
Ability to produce results in a sometimes-chaotic situation; stays calm in difficult situations
Ability to educate growing team to ensure a high level of plant quality, utilizing proper growing practices
Assist North Creek team in improving overall crop quality and assist in achieving on-time, 100% finished quality crops
Be a team player with initiative, continually improving quality of pants produced while decreasing level of shrink
Ability to work in all weather conditions at tasks that are sometimes physically demanding
Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Travel: some travel required

Compensation: Based on experience