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

Apr 12, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Greenhouse Senior Technician is essential in maintaining the health of greenhouse plants. Their expertise in climate control, pest and disease prevention, and nutrient management is instrumental in producing quality plants. Proper climate control, such as temperature control and humidity regulation, helps to create the ideal environment for plant growth.

pest and disease prevention helps to protect plants from infestation and infection. Lastly, nutrient management ensures that the plants are getting all the essential nutrients they need to reach full maturity. Without these tasks, the health of greenhouse plants would be greatly compromised, leading to poor yields and lower quality produce.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most greenhouse senior technician positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Earn a degree in horticulture, plant science or a related field. A degree in horticulture or plant science is beneficial for understanding the care and maintenance of plants.
Gain experience as a greenhouse technician. Most employers prefer to hire greenhouse senior technicians with at least two years of experience working in a greenhouse setting. Working as an assistant greenhouse technician or other related positions can help gain the necessary experience.
Obtain certifications, if applicable. Depending on the employer, certification may be required or preferred for greenhouse senior technicians. Some certifications include Certified Greenhouse Technician (CGT) and Certified Greenhouse Professional (CGP).
Utilize resources available to learn more about greenhouses and plants. Organizations such as the American Society for Horticultural Science offer online courses and publications to help understand more about greenhouses and plants.
Develop an in-depth knowledge of plant care and maintenance. Greenhouse senior technicians must have an extensive knowledge of plants, including their proper care and maintenance.
Stay up-to-date on the latest technology used in greenhouses. Greenhouses are becoming increasingly more technologically advanced, and it is important for greenhouse senior technicians to stay informed about the latest technology and trends.

Greenhouse Senior Technicians must be reliable and competent in order to ensure the successful operation of a greenhouse. A reliable technician is able to consistently carry out tasks in a timely manner and work with minimal supervision. This helps to ensure the efficient management of a greenhouse, as well as the safety of both the technician and the plants.

Competence is also essential for a Senior Technician, as they must be knowledgeable in the areas of plant health and care, as well as pest and disease control. They must be able to identify potential problems in the greenhouse environment, and take appropriate action to address them. Furthermore, they must be able to make informed decisions related to greenhouse operations, and be willing to take on additional responsibilities when needed.

By having reliable and competent Greenhouse Senior Technicians, greenhouses can operate at peak efficiency, while also providing an optimal environment for the plants.

You may want to check Greenhouse Automation Technician, Greenhouse Production Coordinator, and Greenhouse Assistant Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Operate and maintain greenhouse equipment, including water and nutrient delivery systems, irrigation systems, HVAC systems, and lighting systems.
Monitor and adjust environmental conditions within the greenhouse, such as temperature, humidity, and air circulation.
Monitor and adjust soil conditions, such as pH and nutrient levels.
Monitor and control pests and diseases within the greenhouse.
Transplant seedlings, cuttings, and other plants as needed.
Prune plants as necessary for better growth and yield.
Record data on crop growth, yield, and development.
Prepare soil mixes and potting mixes for planting.
Prepare and apply fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides as needed.
Clean and maintain greenhouse structures, equipment, and tools.
Train and supervise greenhouse staff on proper operation and maintenance of the greenhouse.
Work with other departments to ensure the success of greenhouse operations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of greenhouse systems, maintenance, and operations
Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot technical issues with greenhouse systems
Expertise in the use of climate control systems, irrigation systems, and other automation systems
Ability to perform regular maintenance and repairs on greenhouse equipment
Knowledge of environmental conditions and requirements for various plant species
Familiarity with pest management strategies and techniques
Ability to recognize, diagnose, and treat plant diseases and deficiencies
Knowledge of fertilization and nutrition requirements for plants
Ability to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
Proficiency in the use of standard computer applications

Having strong technical skills is essential for any Greenhouse Senior Technician. Being able to troubleshoot and identify problems quickly and accurately is a key skill necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the greenhouse. Knowing how to properly maintain and repair equipment, such as watering systems, climate control systems and light fixtures, is critical to keeping the greenhouse environment healthy and efficient.

In addition, having a good understanding of the different types of plants, their growth requirements, and how to properly care for them is necessary for the successful cultivation of plants. Finally, the ability to effectively manage personnel, provide training, and handle customer inquiries are important qualities for a successful Greenhouse Senior Technician. By combining these skills, a Greenhouse Senior Technician can ensure a successful and thriving greenhouse environment.

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

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with greenhouse operations?
How do you ensure high-quality standards for plants in the greenhouse?
What methods do you use to track and manage inventory in a greenhouse?
How would you respond to a situation involving an unhappy customer?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with greenhouse equipment.
What strategies do you use to control pests in the greenhouse?
What techniques do you use to manage plant growth and development?
How do you ensure safety protocols are followed in the greenhouse?
Describe a time when you had to adjust to changing environmental conditions in the greenhouse.
How have you successfully identified and addressed potential problems in the greenhouse?

Common Tools in Industry

Soil Moisture Sensor. A device used to measure the amount of moisture in soil, (eg: Luster Leaf 1605 Rapitest Moisture Tester).
Pruning Shears. A tool used to trim or cut away dead or overgrown branches from a plant, (eg: Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner).
pH Meter. An instrument used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, (eg: Hanna Instruments HI 98129 pH/EC/TDS/Temp Meter).
Watering Can. A container used to carry and sprinkle water over plants, (eg: Haws 2. 6 Gallon Indoor Watering Can).
Propagation Heating Mats. A device used to warm the bottom of a seedling tray, (eg: Hydrofarm MT10006 Heat Mat).
Greenhouse Fans. An appliance used to circulate air within a greenhouse, (eg: VIVOSUN 6" Inch 440 CFM Inline Duct Fan).
Plant Labels. A marker used to identify plants, (eg: Gardener's Blue Ribbon Stake-It Plant Labels).
Plant Light Meters. An instrument used to measure the amount of light a plant receives, (eg: Bluelab TRUNCHEON pH Meter).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Horticultural Science
International Society for Horticultural Science
American Nursery and Landscape Association
Greenhouse Growers Association
American Horticultural Society
Professional Landcare Network
American Association of Professional Landscape Designers
International Plant Propagators Society
American Seed Trade Association
National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association

We also have Greenhouse Grower, Greenhouse Production Manager, and Greenhouse Field Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Greenhouse. A structure made of glass or plastic, typically used for the cultivation and protection of plants, vegetables, and fruits.
Photosynthesis. A process in which plants convert sunlight into energy and use it to produce food from carbon dioxide and water.
Climate Control. The regulation of temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors to maintain an ideal growing environment in a greenhouse.
Fertilization. The process of adding essential nutrients to soil in order to promote healthy plant growth.
Crop Management. The practice of planning, scheduling, and overseeing the planting, harvesting, and storage of crops in a greenhouse.
IPM (Integrated Pest Management). A holistic approach to pest control that combines biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods to reduce pest populations and maintain a healthy environment.
Irrigation. The application of water to a greenhouse in order to support plant growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the duties of a Greenhouse Senior Technician?

The duties of a Greenhouse Senior Technician include monitoring and maintaining greenhouse systems, controlling the climate, monitoring and analyzing plant growth, diagnosing and resolving issues, and providing input on crop plans.

What skills are needed to be a Greenhouse Senior Technician?

A successful Greenhouse Senior Technician should possess strong knowledge of greenhouse systems, excellent problem-solving skills, an understanding of plant biology, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently.

What qualifications are required to become a Greenhouse Senior Technician?

To become a Greenhouse Senior Technician, you typically need at least three years of relevant experience in the field, a Bachelor's degree in horticulture or a related field, and certification from a professional organization such as the American Society for Horticultural Science.

How much does a Greenhouse Senior Technician earn?

The average salary for a Greenhouse Senior Technician ranges between $50,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience and location.

What are the benefits of working as a Greenhouse Senior Technician?

Working as a Greenhouse Senior Technician offers the opportunity to work with plants in a controlled environment, the satisfaction of working with a growing industry, and the potential to increase knowledge in the field. Additionally, many employers offer competitive salary and benefits packages.

Web Resources

Greenhouse Technician | Department of Plant Sciences www.plantsciences.ucdavis.edu
Greenhouse Technician I - Department of Horticulture www.canr.msu.edu
CONSERVATORY AND GREENHOUSE TECHNICIAN www.canr.msu.edu