Retail Plant Nursery Manager
Position Overview
The Plant Nursery Manager oversees all daily operations of the nursery, including plant production, inventory management, staff supervision, customer service, and facility maintenance. This role ensures that all plants are grown, maintained, and sold at the highest quality standards while maintaining efficient workflows, safe practices, and strong customer relationships.
The manager is responsible for planning seasonal sales production, coordinating purchasing, managing labor, and ensuring the nursery meets financial and operational goals.
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Key Responsibilities
Plant Production & Care
- Oversee propagation, planting, fertilization, pruning, pest control, and general plant health.
- Monitor irrigation systems and adjust watering schedules based on weather, plant type, and seasonal needs.
- Identify and treat plant diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and pest issues promptly.
- Maintain clean, organized growing areas, greenhouses, shade houses, and retail spaces.
Inventory & Purchasing
- Plan and forecast seasonal inventory needs (annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, specialty plants).
- Track inventory levels and maintain accurate records of stock movement.
- Order seeds, liners, soil, fertilizers, chemicals, pots, and supplies.
- Coordinate receiving and quality-checking incoming plant shipments.
Staff Leadership & Training
- Hire, train, schedule, and supervise nursery staff and seasonal workers.
- Provide hands-on training in plant care, customer service, equipment use, and safety.
- Delegate daily tasks and ensure productivity goals are met.
- Maintain a positive, safe, and efficient work environment.
Customer Service & Sales
- Assist customers with plant selection, care instructions, and problem-solving.
- Provide expert advice on landscaping, plant compatibility, and maintenance.
- Ensure retail areas are clean, stocked, and visually appealing.
- Handle customer issues professionally and maintain strong community relationships.
Operational Management
- Maintain nursery equipment (tractors, carts, sprayers, irrigation systems).
- Manage budgets, labor hours, and operational expenses.
- Track sales trends and adjust production or purchasing accordingly.
- Implement efficient workflows to reduce waste and improve profitability.
Facility & Grounds Maintenance
- Oversee upkeep of greenhouses, shade structures, irrigation lines, and work areas.
- Ensure walkways, retail areas, and loading zones are safe and accessible.
- Coordinate repairs and improvements as needed.
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Required Skills & Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of horticulture, plant biology, and nursery production.
- Experience with pest management, fertilizers, and chemical application.
- Ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced outdoor environment.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Strong communication and customer service abilities.
- Basic computer skills for inventory, scheduling, and recordkeeping.
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Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of nursery, greenhouse, or horticulture experience.
- Supervisory or management experience.
- Knowledge of regional plant varieties and climate-specific growing practices.
- Ability to operate nursery equipment (tractors, forklifts, sprayers).
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Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift 40–60 lbs regularly.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work outdoors for extended periods.
- Comfortable working in heat, cold, humidity, and rain.
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Performance Indicators
- Plant quality and survival rates.
- Inventory accuracy and seasonal planning.
- Staff productivity and retention.
- Customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Sales growth and cost control.
- Cleanliness, organization, and safety compliance.
If you’re passionate about plants, enjoy helping customers, and thrive in a fast-paced outdoor setting, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today to join Good Earth Greenhouse.
Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
