Central Florida Ferns & Foliage is a wholesale nursery specializing in tropical ferns and foliage. With multiple growing locations and nearly 500,000 square feet of greenhouse space, our team produces a wide variety of high-quality tropical plants for customers throughout the United States.
We are seeking an Assistant Greenhouse Grower to help manage the daily care and health of plants at one of our Central Florida growing locations.
Professional greenhouse experience is not required. We are willing to train the right person who has a genuine interest in plants, a strong work ethic, and a desire to build a career in horticulture. Experience caring for plants at home, working in landscaping, gardening, agriculture, or a retail garden center would be helpful but is not necessary.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to enter the horticulture industry, learn commercial greenhouse production, and grow into a long-term career with our company.
Position Overview
The Assistant Greenhouse Grower works closely with the Director of Greenhouse Operations and greenhouse operations team to monitor plant health, irrigation, pest and disease pressure, and overall crop quality.
This is a hands-on position that requires spending most of the day inside greenhouse production areas. The successful candidate will be observant, dependable, comfortable working independently, and willing to ask questions while learning the technical side of commercial plant production.
Responsibilities
- Monitor plants throughout the greenhouse for water needs, pests, diseases, nutritional concerns, and other signs of stress.
- Hand-water dry areas and individual plants as needed.
- Assist with the operation and monitoring of greenhouse irrigation systems.
- Follow watering schedules and growing instructions provided by the Director of Greenhouse Operations.
- Report plant health, irrigation, pest, disease, or crop-quality concerns promptly.
- Assist with scouting crops for insects, diseases, weeds, and other production issues.
- Help prepare and organize equipment and materials for pesticide, fertilizer, and biological-control applications.
- Mix and apply agricultural chemicals after completing the required training and while following all label, safety, and personal protective equipment requirements.
- Apply biological control agents and other integrated pest management treatments.
- Use backpack sprayers and other greenhouse equipment as trained and directed.
- Maintain accurate application, irrigation, and crop-care records when required.
- Help keep greenhouse areas, walkways, equipment, and workspaces clean and organized.
- Assist with moving, spacing, grooming, and maintaining plant material.
- Support other nursery departments and growing locations when seasonal needs require.
- Follow all company safety procedures and greenhouse sanitation protocols.
Qualifications
- A genuine interest in plants, horticulture, agriculture, or greenhouse production.
- No professional growing experience is required; training will be provided.
- Hobby gardening, landscaping, nursery, farm, garden-center, or greenhouse experience is welcomed.
- Willingness to learn commercial plant production practices.
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and work under the direction of the Director of Greenhouse Operations.
- Strong observation, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Dependable, self-motivated, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to ask questions, communicate concerns, and offer constructive ideas.
- Comfortable working around fertilizers, pesticides, biological controls, and agricultural chemicals while using required personal protective equipment.
- Ability to work in hot, humid, wet, and changing greenhouse conditions.
- Ability to repeatedly bend, reach, stretch, lift, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
- Ability to remain on your feet for most of the day.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working with plants, landscaping, agriculture, irrigation, or greenhouse production.
- Familiarity with plant watering, pest identification, fertilization, or pesticide application.
- English and Spanish bilingual communication skills.
- Florida pesticide applicator license or related certifications; however, these are not required at the time of hire.
Schedule
This is a full-time position, generally averaging 40–45 hours per week.
Schedules may change depending on the season, weather, watering requirements, and crop needs. Typical shifts may include:
Some weekend and holiday work may be required because plants need care seven days a week.
Career Development
This position is intended to provide hands-on training in commercial greenhouse production. The Assistant Greenhouse Grower will have the opportunity to develop skills in:
- Irrigation and water management
- Plant nutrition and fertilization
- Pest and disease identification
- Integrated pest management
- Biological controls
- Pesticide safety and application
- Crop scheduling and production planning
- Commercial greenhouse operations
For someone who is dependable, eager to learn, and passionate about plants, this role can provide a foundation for advancement into a Grower or other greenhouse leadership position.
Central Florida Ferns & Foliage is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
