How to Be Greenhouse Production Coordinator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 5, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Greenhouse Production Coordinator is essential in ensuring the smooth and efficient production of crops. The coordinator is responsible for overseeing the entire greenhouse operation and managing the resources necessary to meet the desired outcomes. This includes managing staff, coordinating planting schedules, conducting soil and nutrient tests, and monitoring pest and disease levels.

Without proper management, these tasks can be overwhelming and lead to poor crop yields. Effective production coordinators are also able to identify potential problems and take corrective action to ensure optimal growing conditions. By managing these aspects of the operation, the production coordinator is able to maximize crop yields and ensure a successful harvest.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a Greenhouse Production Coordinator, a four-year degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, or a related field is typically required. Courses in plant biology, plant pathology, and soil science are also beneficial.
Gain Experience. It is important for a Greenhouse Production Coordinator to have prior experience in the field. This can be obtained through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work at a greenhouse or nursery.
Obtain Certification. An optional certification, such as the Certified Greenhouse Grower (CGG) credential, may be beneficial for those seeking employment.
Develop Skills. Greenhouse Production Coordinators must possess strong organizational skills and be able to multitask. They must also be knowledgeable in the use of greenhouse production software, as well as the ability to troubleshoot equipment problems.
Find Employment. Greenhouse Production Coordinators can find employment with production greenhouses, nurseries, botanical gardens, and other related organizations. Many positions are listed on job boards and other online resources.

The Greenhouse Production Coordinator plays a vital role in the success of an agricultural business. To be effective, the ideal candidate must have a thorough understanding of crop production, possess excellent organizational and communication skills, and have the ability to work well with others. The successful candidate must also have experience with growing plants in a greenhouse environment, knowledge of greenhouse technology, and a good understanding of plant diseases and pest management.

By possessing these qualities, the Production Coordinator will be able to effectively monitor the growing conditions and ensure that crops are produced at optimal levels. This, in turn, will lead to higher yields, increased profits, and improved customer satisfaction.

You may want to check Greenhouse Environmental Specialist, Greenhouse Production Manager, and Greenhouse Irrigation Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee the planning and coordination of greenhouse production operations
Monitor and control the production processes, ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and environmental regulations
Develop and implement production schedules and coordinate activities with other departments
Monitor production resources and materials, order supplies as needed, and maintain inventory records
Manage greenhouse staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating performance
Develop and implement standard operating procedures for all production processes
Troubleshoot production problems and take corrective action as needed
Monitor production costs and ensure cost efficiency
Track production metrics and analyze data to identify areas for improvement
Provide technical support to greenhouse staff as needed
Develop reports and presentations to communicate progress to management

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
Exceptional organizational and multi-tasking abilities
Ability to manage projects with tight deadlines
Advanced knowledge of greenhouse production techniques
Familiarity with common greenhouse production equipment
Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations related to greenhouse production
Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex problems
Experience with record-keeping systems
Working knowledge of crop nutrition and pest control
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Good organizational skills are essential for a Greenhouse Production Coordinator. Planning, organizing and coordinating the production needs of a greenhouse requires the ability to think ahead and stay ahead of potential problems. Without good organizational skills, production could be impacted by delays in ordering supplies, staffing issues, and environmental factors.

Good organizational skills also help to ensure that production goals are met on time and within budget. Properly organizing tasks helps to maximize the efficiency of staff and resources, ensuring that tasks are completed in a timely manner. Furthermore, the ability to effectively communicate with staff and other stakeholders is important for a Greenhouse Production Coordinator to ensure that all relevant information is provided in a timely manner.

By having good organizational skills, Greenhouse Production Coordinators can ensure that production processes run efficiently and without interruption.

Greenhouse Assistant Manager, Greenhouse Plant Propagation Technician, and Greenhouse Project Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in greenhouse production and coordination?
What challenges have you faced in greenhouse production and how did you address them?
What techniques have you implemented in the past to improve the efficiency of greenhouse production?
How do you ensure that the greenhouse staff is properly trained and knowledgeable of their duties?
Describe a successful greenhouse project that you managed from start to finish.
How do you handle multiple tasks and prioritize work in a fast-paced, changing environment?
How do you maintain accuracy and quality control when coordinating multiple projects?
How do you develop relationships with suppliers and other stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of materials?
How do you ensure the safety and security of the greenhouse and its workers?
What strategies do you use to stay up to date with industry trends and developments in greenhouse production?

Common Tools in Industry

Planting Software. This software helps greenhouse production coordinators plan and track their crop production. (eg: FarmLogs)
Propagation Equipment. This equipment helps greenhouse production coordinators clone and propagate plants from cuttings. (eg: Clonex® Rooting Gel)
Automated Irrigation Systems. This system helps greenhouse production coordinators automate irrigation of crops. (eg: Rain Bird)
Plant Nutrition Software. This software helps greenhouse production coordinators track and monitor plant nutrient levels. (eg: Plantix)
Climate Control Systems. This system helps greenhouse production coordinators control the climate in their greenhouses, including temperature, ventilation, and humidity. (eg: Priva)
Data Management Software. This software helps greenhouse production coordinators organize, store, and analyze data related to their crops. (eg: GroGuru)
Automated Fertilization Systems. This system helps greenhouse production coordinators automate the delivery of fertilizers to their crops. (eg: Nutrient Film Technique)
Soil Testing Equipment. This equipment helps greenhouse production coordinators test soil samples for nutrient levels and pH. (eg: Soil pH Meter)
Automated Pest Control Systems. This system helps greenhouse production coordinators detect and control pests. (eg: Autocidal Fumigation System)
Lighting Systems. This system helps greenhouse production coordinators control lighting for their crops. (eg: LED Grow Lights)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS)
American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA)
International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)
Horticultural Research Institute (HRI)
National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA)
American Floral Endowment (AFE)
Association of Natural Plants Association (ANPA)
Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG)
American Horticultural Society (AHS)
National Plant Board (NPB)

We also have Greenhouse Horticulture Technician, Greenhouse Installer, and Greenhouse Plant Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Greenhouse. A structure that is used to grow and protect plants from the natural environment. It is typically made of glass or plastic and consists of a frame, a covering material, and a floor.
Growing Media. The material used to provide a stable environment for plants in a greenhouse. Common examples include soil, rockwool, perlite, vermiculite, and hydroton.
Irrigation System. A system that supplies water to plants in a greenhouse in an efficient manner. It usually consists of pumps, filters, pipes, valves, and sprinklers.
Climate Control. The process of controlling the temperature, humidity, and light levels in a greenhouse in order to create an optimal environment for plants to grow in.
Fertilizers. Nutrients added to soil in order to improve the quality of the soil and help plants grow better.
Pest Control. The process of controlling pests that can damage plants in a greenhouse. This can involve using chemicals or natural methods such as releasing beneficial insects into the environment.
Plant Propagation. The process of creating new plants from existing ones by using cuttings, layering, or other methods.
Plant Diseases. A variety of diseases that can affect plants in a greenhouse. Common examples include fungus, viruses, bacteria, and nematodes.
Crop Management. The process of planning and managing the growth and harvesting of crops in a greenhouse. This involves selecting the right varieties of crops, monitoring their growth, and ensuring they are properly maintained.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Greenhouse Production Coordinator?

A Greenhouse Production Coordinator is responsible for managing the daily operations of a greenhouse facility, including monitoring crop growth, setting production schedules, and overseeing personnel and resources.

What are the duties of a Greenhouse Production Coordinator?

The duties of a Greenhouse Production Coordinator include planning and coordinating the production and maintenance of crops, monitoring and evaluating crop development, scheduling and supervising personnel, monitoring and maintaining equipment and facilities, ordering supplies and inputs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

What qualifications are required for a Greenhouse Production Coordinator?

A Greenhouse Production Coordinator typically requires a bachelors degree in horticulture, agronomy, or a related field. Additionally, knowledge of plant science and experience in greenhouse management are desirable.

What skills are needed to be successful in this role?

To be successful as a Greenhouse Production Coordinator, one must possess strong planning and organizational skills, have an eye for detail and accuracy, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be able to work both independently and collaboratively, and have the ability to adapt to changing environments.

How much does a Greenhouse Production Coordinator typically make?

Salaries for Greenhouse Production Coordinators vary depending on location and experience, but on average they can earn between $33,000 to $50,000 annually.