Job Description

Are you a hands-on leader who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and work collaboratively with their team? Does the idea of implementing new technologies and ideas in the workplace excite you? Can you visualize yourself being a part of the executive team at a reputable and tenured company? Do you have a passion for horticulture, people leadership, and growing business? If so, this may be the perfect role for you!

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Horticulture Operations Manager with Sun Bulb Company is responsible for the management of crop growing operations for the greenhouse facility in Arcadia, FL (2) and oversight of sister company greenhouse facilities in Central FL (2). This person is also responsible for the proper care of the greenhouse, including the principles and practices of plant cultivation and protection. Sun Bulb Company has been in business for over 65 years and is known for growing and marketing the largest variety of orchids in the country. This is a hands-on position but also requires management of internal crops as well as coordinating sister company and contract grower relationships & responsibilities.

REPORTS TO: Director of Operations

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Key contact for contract growers and sister company grow operations
• Plan, organize, direct, control, and/or coordinate activities of staff engaged in planting, cultivating, and harvesting various orchid varieties.
• Train new employees in cultivating techniques: including rouging, spacing, grading, thinning, irrigation, and pest control.
• Manage all greenhouse personnel under their direction, supervising their activities and training them in the appropriate techniques for the plants being grown.
• Track labor efficiency and make appropriate changes in labor crew to meet company goals.
• Ensure the labor meets company standards and actively manage out poor performers.
• Coordinate biological control to monitor pest and disease levels along with good cultural practices.
• Ensure all safety policies (worker safety, etc.) and strict crop sanitation practices are followed and enforced.
• Establish and maintain a program to record crop growth data (weekly crop report, climate report, maturation report, production, etc.).
• Responsible for inspecting facilities for signs of disrepair and delegating repair duties to maintenance department.
• Serve as a company resource for plant identification and overall plant care through our consumer education efforts

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum three (3) years of relevant job experience as follows:

• Commercial greenhouse production, orchid growing experience preferred.
• Crop planning
• Management experience; position has at least 2 direct report managers AND their staff report up to the position
• Must be able to identify the plants and their problems (diseases, pests, and others).
• Must be able to plan, organize, direct, control, and/or coordinate activities of workers engaged in daily operations.
• Strong verbal and analytical skills with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management.
• Must be able to budget and forecast crop expenses, availability, and yields.
• Must be computer literate in Excel, and Word and capable of running greenhouse computerized software.
• Must be available to work weekends as needed.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, clean DMV record, and reliable transportation.
• Must pass pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and physical.
• Pesticide Applicator License/Certification and WPS training

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Ag business/science, or related field (agricultural emphasis).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Passion for growing orchids, including knowledge of various orchid cultivars
• Passion for growing epiphytic plants, specifically orchids, as well as knowledge of various orchid varieties and their respective growing characteristics.
• Knowledge of different greenhouse structures and their operating systems and maintenance requirements.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work around and be trained in the use/handling of farming chemicals, while wearing Personal Protective Equipment.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and may be required to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds at times.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; and talk or hear.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain both on foot and while aboard moving equipment.
• Must be able to climb a ladder.
• Ability to work outdoors during entire shift, which can occur during the day and at night.
• Must be able to work in different temperatures (working temperatures as hot as 100° to 110° F and could be below 32° F during frost protection).

Please apply for this position if you have the requisite experience and this role fits your career objectives. Please forward your resume and career objectives to Paige Franks (pfranks@bhcagroup.com).

All inquiries are confidentially protected and appreciated.

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