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 operationsensuring 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. |