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

Jun 29, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The lack of a Greenhouse Supervisor can cause significant problems for a greenhouse business. Without the proper guidance and oversight, plants may suffer from improper watering or incorrect temperatures, leading to poor crop yields. In addition, without a supervisor to coordinate the work of staff and volunteers, the greenhouse may become disorganized and efficiency will be lost.

Furthermore, the lack of a supervisor can cause confusion among workers and lead to a decrease in morale, which can ultimately have a negative impact on productivity. the presence of a Greenhouse Supervisor is necessary for a successful greenhouse business as it ensures that all operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. A bachelor's degree in horticulture, agriculture, plant science, botany or a related field is typically required to become a greenhouse supervisor. Coursework should include plant science, crop production, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, weed science, and business management.
Gain Experience. Employers often prefer to hire greenhouse supervisors who have prior greenhouse experience. Therefore, it is recommended to gain work experience as a greenhouse worker or assistant supervisor before applying for a supervisor position.
Obtain Certification. Although it is not mandatory, obtaining certification can be beneficial for those seeking a greenhouse supervisor position. The American Society for Horticultural Science offers certification for greenhouse professionals. Requirements include completion of educational courses and passing an exam.
Develop Skills. Greenhouse supervisors must possess strong communication and organizational skills. They must be able to effectively manage staff and resources while working in a fast-paced environment.
Find Employment. Greenhouse supervisors are employed by nurseries, greenhouses, and other agricultural production facilities. Job openings can be found through online job boards and professional networks.

The effectiveness of a greenhouse supervisor depends on many factors, including their technical knowledge, management and communication skills, and ability to motivate and inspire their team. With a good supervisor in place, greenhouses are able to operate more efficiently, leading to increased productivity and improved quality of crops. Poor supervision, however, can have the opposite effect, resulting in decreased staff morale, ineffective operations, and inferior produce. Therefore, it is essential for greenhouse supervisors to possess the ideal qualifications, such as a degree in horticulture or agricultural science and experience in the agricultural industry, in order to ensure that their greenhouses run smoothly and yield excellent results.

You may want to check Greenhouse Environmental Specialist, Greenhouse Installer, and Greenhouse Production Coordinator for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee the daily operations of the greenhouse, including maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
Monitor and adjust environmental conditions in the greenhouse, including temperature, humidity, and light levels.
Supervise the watering and fertilizing of plants, as well as pest and disease control.
Maintain records of production and inventory, and ensure that all purchases are within budget.
Train, supervise, and evaluate greenhouse staff, including hiring and scheduling.
Develop and implement procedures for ordering supplies and managing inventory.
Research new technologies and techniques to improve production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to greenhouse activities.
Develop plans for rotation of crops and other production activities.
Provide customer service, including assisting with selection of plants, answering questions, and demonstrating proper care techniques.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent organizational and time management skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to follow directions accurately
Understanding of basic horticultural practices
Knowledge of pest and disease control
Ability to lead a team of workers
Knowledge of safety protocols
Knowledge of greenhouse equipment operations
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Problem-solving and decision-making skills
Flexibility to adjust to changing job demands

Good communication skills are essential for any Greenhouse Supervisor. When a Supervisor is able to effectively communicate with their team, they are able to delegate tasks, provide clear direction and feedback, and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals. This helps to foster a positive work atmosphere and a strong sense of teamwork.

good communication skills also help a supervisor to stay organized and on top of the many tasks associated with running a greenhouse. They can effectively track progress and provide timely updates to their team. Finally, good communication skills also help a Supervisor build trusting relationships with their team and ensure that all team members understand their responsibilities and expectations.

having strong communication skills is an important asset for any Greenhouse Supervisor in order to succeed in this role.

Greenhouse Grower, Greenhouse Production Assistant, and Greenhouse Senior Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in greenhouse operations?
How would you manage a team of staff to ensure successful production and delivery of quality plants?
What techniques do you use to ensure the proper maintenance of the greenhouse environment?
What strategies do you use to manage pest and disease control in plants?
How would you manage the ordering and stocking of supplies?
What methods do you use to ensure accurate record keeping for plants and inventory?
How do you develop and implement efficient irrigation schedules?
How do you ensure the highest quality of plants while staying within budget?
How do you handle customer complaints and inquiries?
How do you stay current on the latest trends and developments in the greenhouse industry?

Common Tools in Industry

Employee Scheduling Software. Allows supervisors to create and manage employee schedules, assign tasks, and track productivity (e. g. Homebase).
Automated Irrigation System. Automatically waters plants and gardens, keeping them healthy and productive (e. g. Rain Bird).
Plant Tracking Software. Helps supervisors monitor plant health, care, and growth (e. g. Plantopia).
Climate Control Software. Automates temperature and humidity settings to ensure optimal greenhouse conditions (e. g. CropMod).
Soil Testing Kit. Tests soil pH levels, nutrients, and moisture content to provide insights into plant health (e. g. Luster Leaf).
Robotics. Automates tedious tasks such as harvesting and planting, increasing efficiency and accuracy (e. g. Naio Technologies).
Data Analytics Software. Analyzes data to gain insights into greenhouse operations and make better decisions (e. g. Hortimax).
Plant Identification Software. Identifies plants with accuracy, helping supervisors make informed decisions (e. g. Plantix).
Inventory Management Software. Tracks inventory levels, ensuring stock is available when needed (e. g. FarmLogs).
Plant Care App. Offers guidance on plant care, helping supervisors ensure optimal growing conditions (e. g. Garden Answers).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Horticultural Science
American Horticultural Society
Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers
Professional Gardeners Guild
American Nursery & Landscape Association
Greenhouse Growers Association
International Plant Propagators Society
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
International Society for Horticultural Science
American Society of Landscape Architects

We also have Greenhouse Assistant Manager, Greenhouse Automation Technician, and Greenhouse Quality Control Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Plant Breeding. The process of manipulating the genetics of a plant species in order to create new varieties with desirable traits.
Plant Propagation. The process of reproducing plants through asexual methods such as cuttings and dividing.
Plant Growth Regulators. Synthetic or naturally occurring substances that regulate plant growth and development, either by promoting or inhibiting specific processes.
Greenhouse Management. The management of a greenhouse environment to maintain optimal conditions for plants, taking into account temperature, humidity, light, nutrition, and pest control.
Irrigation. The application of water to the soil in order to meet the needs of plants for moisture.
Fertilization. The addition of nutrients to the soil in order to meet the needs of plants for essential minerals.
Pest Management. The process of controlling pests and diseases in a greenhouse environment using chemical, biological, and cultural methods.
Crop Rotation. The practice of alternating different crops in a field in order to improve soil fertility and reduce pest and disease problems.
Climate Control. The use of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in order to maintain optimal environmental conditions for greenhouse plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to be a Greenhouse Supervisor?

A Greenhouse Supervisor typically needs a bachelors degree in horticulture, plant science, or a related field. Additionally, they should have experience working with plants and managing a greenhouse.

What are the responsibilities of a Greenhouse Supervisor?

The primary responsibility of a Greenhouse Supervisor is to oversee the daily operations of a greenhouse. This includes propagating plants, controlling pests and diseases, maintaining temperature, humidity, and irrigation, and managing staff and volunteers.

What is the average salary for a Greenhouse Supervisor?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Greenhouse Supervisor is $46,878 per year.

How many plants does a Greenhouse Supervisor need to manage?

The number of plants managed by a Greenhouse Supervisor varies depending on the size of the greenhouse. Generally, they will be responsible for managing hundreds to thousands of plants.

What other roles might a Greenhouse Supervisor have?

In addition to overseeing daily operations, a Greenhouse Supervisor may also be responsible for ordering plants and supplies, tracking inventory, scheduling staff and volunteers, and developing plans to improve greenhouse production.