How to Be Greenhouse Environmental Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 5, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Greenhouse Environmental Specialists are responsible for ensuring that the environment inside a greenhouse is optimized for plant growth. This includes monitoring and adjusting the temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels. If these conditions are not maintained correctly, it can lead to problems such as poor nutrient uptake, pest infestations, and stunted growth.

In addition, Greenhouse Environmental Specialists are also responsible for monitoring air quality, soil fertility, and water quality to ensure optimal plant health. By doing so, they can help prevent diseases from developing, reducing crop loss and increasing crop yield.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a greenhouse environmental specialist, you need a bachelor's degree in a field related to environmental science or horticulture. Examples of possible majors include plant science, plant biology, agricultural science, and environmental science.
Get Relevant Work Experience. After earning your bachelor's degree, it is important to gain relevant work experience in the field. This can be done through an internship, job shadowing, or volunteering at a greenhouse. Some employers may also require experience in horticulture or agricultural management.
Pursue Certification. Pursuing certification as an environmental specialist is beneficial for career advancement and can help you stand out from other applicants. Several organizations offer certification for environmental specialists, including the American Society of Agronomy, the American Society of Horticulture Science, and the Horticultural Society of America.
Obtain a Greenhouse License. Most states require greenhouse environmental specialists to have a license in order to practice. To obtain a license, you must pass a state exam that covers topics such as plant pathology, pest management, and greenhouse design.
Consider Further Education. To stay up-to-date on the latest developments in environmental science and horticulture, consider further education through an advanced degree program or professional development courses.

The success of a Greenhouse Environmental Specialist relies on having reliable and competent skills. Being knowledgeable about the science of plants, their environmental needs and the ability to properly diagnose and treat their issues is essential. Furthermore, having experience with operating and maintaining the equipment used in a greenhouse environment, such as fans, heaters, and irrigation systems, is also necessary.

Finally, the ability to develop and maintain a safe work environment while managing the financial aspects of a greenhouse is also critical. With these skills in place, a Greenhouse Environmental Specialist will be able to effectively manage the daily operations of a greenhouse and ensure that it is running efficiently and safely.

You may want to check Greenhouse Maintenance Manager, Greenhouse Installer, and Greenhouse Plant Propagation Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and adjust environmental conditions in greenhouses, including temperature, humidity, light, and ventilation.
Monitor and adjust irrigation and fertilization systems.
Monitor and adjust pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
Record and analyze data related to the greenhouse environment.
Plan and implement greenhouse crop production schedules.
Prepare and maintain production records.
Identify environmental problems and develop solutions.
Implement pest and disease management strategies.
Install and maintain greenhouse energy conservation systems.
Develop and maintain maintenance and safety procedures.
Collaborate with other departments to ensure the production of quality plants and products.
Provide technical guidance to greenhouse staff on environmental control systems.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of greenhouse growing best practices and techniques
Experience in planning and implementing automated greenhouse environmental controls
Understanding of plant physiology and its relation to environment
Ability to troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical and computer-controlled components
Knowledge of current regulations, standards and safety protocols related to greenhouse operations
Proficiency in the use of greenhouse management software
Excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to lift and carry heavy objects
Familiarity with indoor/outdoor climate control systems

Greenhouse environmental specialists use a variety of skills to ensure that plants and crops are grown in ideal conditions. One of the most important skills for a greenhouse environmental specialist is understanding the physical environment of the crops and plants. This includes understanding the temperature, humidity, air circulation, and light levels within the greenhouse.

In order to ensure that plants and crops are grown in the most efficient way, it is important for a greenhouse environmental specialist to be able to accurately and quickly adjust these variables as needed. In addition to understanding the physical environment, a greenhouse environmental specialist must also have knowledge of the biology and chemistry of plants, such as the nutrients they need, how they grow and how they interact with other plants or environmental factors. This knowledge is essential in order to keep plants healthy and growing in the right conditions.

Finally, in order to successfully manage a greenhouse, a greenhouse environmental specialist must also have strong organizational skills, as they must keep track of all of the different variables at play within the greenhouse. These skills are essential for ensuring that plants and crops are grown in the best possible conditions.

Greenhouse Horticulture Technician, Greenhouse Irrigation Technician, and Greenhouse Assistant Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in greenhouse environmental management?
Describe your knowledge of horticultural principles and practices.
How would you optimize the production of plants in a greenhouse environment?
What do you think are the key elements for successful greenhouse management?
What strategies do you have for controlling pests and diseases?
How do you ensure that environmental conditions are suitable for plant growth?
What methods do you use to take accurate measurements of temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors?
Describe your experience with irrigation systems, fertilizers, and other inputs to support plant growth.
How do you stay up-to-date on best practices for greenhouse environmental management?
What procedures do you have in place for monitoring and responding to changes in the environment?

Common Tools in Industry

Greenhouse Monitoring System. A system for monitoring the environment in a greenhouse, such as temperature, humidity, and light. (eg: Priva Greenhouse Climate Control System)
Climate Simulation Software. Software that simulates the climate inside a greenhouse environment. (eg: ClimateMinder)
Environmental Sensors. Sensors that measure environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and CO2 levels. (eg: PlantLink Smart Garden Sensor)
Data Analysis Software. Software that helps analyze collected data to identify trends and optimize the greenhouse environment. (eg: Hortimax Data Analytics)
Ventilation Systems. Systems that regulate the amount of fresh air entering and exiting a greenhouse. (eg: VenTech Greenhouse Ventilation System)
Irrigation Systems. Systems that automate the process of delivering water to plants in a greenhouse. (eg: Hydropod Automated Irrigation System)

Professional Organizations to Know

Green Building Council (GBC)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
American Public Gardens Association (APGA)
American Society of Agronomy (ASA)
International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)

We also have Greenhouse Project Manager, Greenhouse Production Manager, and Greenhouse Production Assistant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Greenhouse Gases. Greenhouse gases are naturally occurring gases in the Earth's atmosphere that help keep the planet warm. They include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
Climate Change. Climate change is the long-term alteration of global temperatures, precipitation patterns, and other weather-related phenomena caused by human activity.
Renewable Energy. Renewable energy is energy produced from sources that are not depleted when used, such as solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass.
Carbon Footprint. A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by an individual or organization.
Sustainability. Sustainability is a term used to describe activities that seek to maintain or improve the quality of life on Earth while reducing our impact on the environment.
Energy Efficiency. Energy efficiency is the practice of using less energy to achieve the same goal. It involves reducing energy consumption by improving energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles, and appliances.
Carbon Sequestration. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide in the form of organic matter or minerals to reduce its concentration in the atmosphere.
Green Building. Green building is the practice of constructing buildings using materials and techniques that minimize environmental impact.
Sustainable Agriculture. Sustainable agriculture is a method of farming that seeks to maximize production without depleting natural resources or harming the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Greenhouse Environmental Specialist?

A Greenhouse Environmental Specialist is a professional who works to ensure that the environment inside a greenhouse is optimized for plant growth and health. They monitor and adjust factors such as air temperature, humidity, light, and soil nutrients to maintain optimal conditions.

What qualifications are required to become a Greenhouse Environmental Specialist?

To become a Greenhouse Environmental Specialist, one must typically possess a bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, or a related field. Other qualifications may include experience in greenhouse operations, knowledge of plant biology and environmental science, and strong problem-solving skills.

What are the key responsibilities of a Greenhouse Environmental Specialist?

The key responsibilities of a Greenhouse Environmental Specialist include monitoring the environmental conditions inside the greenhouse, adjusting environmental factors such as air temperature, humidity, light, and soil nutrients as needed, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.

What tools and technology do Greenhouse Environmental Specialists use?

Greenhouse Environmental Specialists typically use specialized tools such as thermostats, hygrometers, light meters, and pH testers to monitor and adjust the environment inside the greenhouse. They may also use computer systems to track environmental data and make adjustments accordingly.

What kind of salary can a Greenhouse Environmental Specialist expect to earn?

The median annual salary for a Greenhouse Environmental Specialist is around $50,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries can vary depending on experience, education level, and geographical location.