How to Be Greenhouse Field Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 18, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Greenhouse Field Technician is to maintain and monitor the growth of plants in greenhouses. This is essential to ensure effective crop production. A Greenhouse Field Technician's responsibilities include inspecting crops, installing irrigation systems, controlling pests, and monitoring temperature and humidity levels.

By doing so, they help ensure optimal growing conditions for plants and help ensure successful crop yields. Furthermore, the job also involves troubleshooting problems, such as disease outbreaks or nutrient deficiencies. By addressing these issues, Greenhouse Field Technicians can help maintain the health of plants, which in turn helps farmers maximize their yields and increase their profitability.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers require a high school diploma or GED, as well as a valid drivers license, to become a Greenhouse Field Technician.
Complete a college degree program in horticulture, plant science, or a related field. A college degree is not always necessary to become a Greenhouse Field Technician, but having one can give you an edge over other applicants.
Acquire experience working with plants. Previous experience in the field of horticulture or working with plants can be beneficial when applying for a position as a Greenhouse Field Technician.
Contact local greenhouse businesses to inquire about open positions. Greenhouse businesses often hire Greenhouse Field Technicians on a seasonal basis, so make sure to be on the lookout for these opportunities.
Participate in an internship with a greenhouse business. During an internship, you can gain valuable experience working in the greenhouse environment and learn the techniques needed to become a Greenhouse Field Technician.
Obtain certification in a greenhouse field. Becoming certified in a greenhouse field can help you stand out from other applicants and can give you an edge when it comes to getting hired.
Pursue additional training and certifications in horticulture and plant science. Gaining additional knowledge and skills in the field of horticulture and plant science can help you become a more qualified Greenhouse Field Technician.

Greenhouse field technicians require a variety of skills and capabilities to be successful. First, they must have an understanding of horticulture and the science of growing plants. This includes knowledge of plant nutrients, pest management, and other factors that can impact growth.

they must be able to identify diseases, diagnose problems, and take corrective actions. They also need to be able to use specialized tools, such as irrigation systems and climate controllers. Furthermore, they must be able to keep accurate records and use computers to input data.

Finally, they must be comfortable working in high-pressure situations, as weather and seasonal conditions can greatly affect their work. Those who possess these skills and capabilities can become successful greenhouse field technicians, ensuring the success of their work and the health of the plants in their care.

You may want to check Greenhouse Production Coordinator, Greenhouse Design Engineer, and Greenhouse Plant Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and maintain greenhouse plants, including watering, fertilizing, pruning and controlling pests or diseases.
Perform regular inspections of the greenhouse environment to ensure optimal growing conditions.
Monitor temperature, humidity and other environmental factors to ensure plants are growing properly.
Plant, transplant and harvest plants according to established protocols.
Collect data and record activities related to crop production.
Operate and maintain greenhouse equipment such as pumps, fans, misting systems and irrigation systems.
Monitor crop growth and development and make adjustments as needed.
Prepare soil and potting mixes according to specific requirements.
Provide general maintenance of the greenhouse, including cleaning and organizing.
Perform basic troubleshooting on equipment when necessary.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of basic greenhouse and crop production practices
Ability to operate and troubleshoot greenhouse equipment
Understanding of greenhouse climate control systems
Familiarity with pest and disease management
Ability to identify and troubleshoot plant problems
Knowledge of crop fertility and irrigation practices
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
Flexibility to work various shifts and in various environments
Ability to lift and carry heavy loads

Greenhouse Field Technician is a highly skilled profession that requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. The most important skill for a Greenhouse Field Technician to have is the ability to effectively manage plants, pests, and diseases. This includes having an understanding of pest identification and management, crop scouting, and basic plant nutrition.

It also involves knowing how to interpret environmental conditions such as temperature, light, and humidity in order to optimize crop growth. Greenhouse Field Technicians must possess the ability to interpret soil and water tests in order to maintain healthy plant growth and reduce risks associated with soil-borne diseases. Finally, they must have a thorough knowledge of greenhouse safety protocols, emergency procedures, and safety regulations.

Having these skills is essential for keeping the greenhouse environment safe and productive.

Greenhouse Environmental Specialist, Greenhouse Irrigation Technician, and Greenhouse Grower are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a greenhouse environment?
How would you handle a situation where a crop is not growing to expected standards?
What strategies do you use to monitor and assess plant health?
Describe your experience with implementing pest and disease control strategies.
How do you stay organized when managing multiple tasks in a greenhouse?
How do you prioritize tasks to ensure that all crops are given adequate attention?
What methods do you use to ensure accurate recordkeeping of greenhouse operations?
What safety protocols do you follow while working in a greenhouse environment?
How do you work with a team of other technicians to manage a greenhouse?
Describe your experience with watering, fertilizing, and pruning plants.

Common Tools in Industry

Pruning Shears. Used for trimming and shaping plants. (Example: Cutting away dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs)
Watering Can. Used to gently water plants. (Example: Slowly pouring water over the soil around a newly planted seedling)
Wheelbarrow. Used to transport heavy loads of soil, mulch, and other materials. (Example: Moving a large bag of mulch from one area of the garden to another)
Trowel. Used to dig small holes, move soil, and transplant small plants. (Example: Digging a hole in the soil to plant a flower bulb)
Garden Hose. Used to water large areas of the garden. (Example: Spraying water over a large vegetable garden)
Sprayer. Used to apply pesticides and other chemicals to plants. (Example: Spraying insecticide onto a rose bush to protect it from pests)
Lawn Mower. Used to mow grass. (Example: Cutting the grass in a lawn to keep it neat and tidy)
Rake. Used to level soil, remove weeds, and collect leaves and other debris. (Example: Raking leaves off the lawn after a storm)
Shovel. Used to dig large holes, move large amounts of soil, and transplant large plants. (Example: Digging a hole in the soil to plant a tree)
Spreader. Used to spread seeds, fertilizer, and other materials evenly over an area of the garden. (Example: Spreading grass seed over a newly prepared lawn)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Horticultural Science
American Society of Agronomy
Crop Science Society of America
International Society for Horticultural Science
International Plant Propagators Society
American Seed Trade Association
Greenhouse Growers Association
American Nursery & Landscape Association
Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers
Agricultural Retailers Association

We also have Greenhouse Production Supervisor, Greenhouse Installer, and Greenhouse Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Greenhouse. A building with transparent or semitransparent walls and roof that is used to grow plants and vegetables, typically with controlled climate conditions.
Growing Medium. The material used to provide support and nutrition for a plant. Examples include soil, compost, peat moss, gravel, and vermiculite.
Irrigation. The process of providing water to crops or plants. This can be done manually or with automated systems.
Fertilization. The process of providing nutrients to crops or plants. This can be done through the use of chemical or organic products.
Pest Control. The practice of preventing or reducing insect, rodent, and disease damage to crops and plants.
Greenhouse Maintenance. The process of ensuring a greenhouse's environment is properly controlled and that all equipment is properly functioning.
Plant Propagation. The practice of producing new plants from existing ones. This can be done through seeds, cuttings, grafting, and tissue culture.
Plant Identification. The practice of identifying plants by their characteristics and features. This is done through the use of botanical keys and field guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Greenhouse Field Technician?

A Greenhouse Field Technician is a position within the agriculture industry responsible for managing the environment within a greenhouse, including monitoring and regulating temperature, humidity, and light levels, as well as maintaining and caring for plants.

What qualifications are needed for a Greenhouse Field Technician?

A Greenhouse Field Technician should have knowledge of plant biology, greenhouse operations and management, and experience with greenhouse technology such as misting systems and nutrient delivery systems. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.

What are the duties of a Greenhouse Field Technician?

The duties of a Greenhouse Field Technician include controlling greenhouse environment factors such as temperature, humidity, and light levels; maintaining equipment; watering and fertilizing plants; pruning and weeding; monitoring pests; and harvesting crops.

How much does a Greenhouse Field Technician typically earn?

According to PayScale.com, the median salary for a Greenhouse Field Technician is $30,829 per year, with salaries ranging from $21,921 to $48,531.

What kind of working environment does a Greenhouse Field Technician work in?

A Greenhouse Field Technician typically works in a greenhouse or other enclosed environment, with the majority of their duties taking place indoors. They may also need to perform duties outdoors when tending to plants in the field or harvesting crops.

Web Resources

Greenhouse Technician | Department of Plant Sciences www.plantsciences.ucdavis.edu
Greenhouse Technician I - Department of Horticulture www.canr.msu.edu
Greenhouse Technician - Texas A&M University entojobs.tamu.edu