Assistant Growing Manager - Ecommerce

Great Garden Plants believes that gardening is for everybody. We celebrate the joy that plants bring to our lives every day. We do what we do here at Great Garden Plants because we want to help gardeners of every skill level find joy and beauty in the garden. Great Garden Plants.com is a fast-growing online mail-order business that sells high quality, live perennials, and shrubs.

The Assistant Manager – Growing position works closely with the Great Garden Plants, Inc. team to plan and implement all work activities relating to plant growth and care. This includes all plant material that is received from outside vendors or propagated in house. The primary responsibility is to ensure that crops meet their target finish dates with quality that exceeds standards and specifications prior to shipment. This position will interact closely with Operations Manager, Customer Service, and other departments, concerning overall production operations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Monitor plant growth and quality on a daily basis within assigned area.
• Keep assigned area clean and weed-free at all times.
• Maintain an accurate product inventory with proper quality codes.
• Monitor and adjust projected finish dates of each crop while continuously evaluating plant salability.
• Develop and maintain a watering schedule.
• Monitor assigned houses daily.
• Assess watering requirements based on individual crop needs.
• Manage small to medium size crew of hourly and seasonal employees.
• Determine daily work schedules and activities for the crew.
• Monitor efficiency and workflow by keeping daily records of work activities.
• Manage performance and training of crew members.
• Work with the team to develop, maintain, and continuously evaluate a thorough IPM program.
• Monitor pest and disease activity and maintain records.
• Determine and execute weed and pest control methods and procedures.
• Train new applicators on safety and proper techniques.
• Assign placement of plant material to best utilize available space.
• Change locations in the inventory database in a timely manner.
• Determine target finish dates of plant material and group plants together as best needed for cultural needs.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of products.
• Monitor and adjust the nutritional program based on soil tests and plant growth requirements.
• Maintain records and make recommendations to improve plant growth.
• Determine fertilizer use based on plant requirements.
• Develop experiments to further optimize plant growth.
• Develop and maintain pruning procedure and schedule and/or use of plant growth regulators.
• Determine the timing and method of pruning and/or PGR treatments based on plant size, shape, and the need for cuttings.
• Assess the results of growth control activities and continuously improve.
• Monitor equipment and facilities used in production.
• Perform regularly scheduled inspections of irrigation systems to ensure functionality and uniformity of water delivery.
• Monitor fertilizer/chemical injection systems.
• Inspect and evaluate incoming plant material from outside vendors.
• Oversee propagation of internally produced plant material.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other related duties as required.
• Follow Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Employee Handbook
• Follow Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Safety Handbook.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• 2 yr. or 4 yr. Horticulture or related Bachelor of Science degree.
• 1 – 2 years of work experience with plants.
• Computer skills are required for growing-related tasks using Excel, Microsoft NAV, and Argus environmental control system.
• Must possess the ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move 20 pounds
• Must be able to assist the crews in their daily work assignments as needed.
• Bilingual English-Spanish skills are highly desirable.
• Must possess, or be willing to obtain, a Michigan private pesticide applicators license.

Performance Requirements:

• Must maintain a level of performance equivalent to company standards, that being a “Meets Expectations” in all areas of your performance evaluations (Self and Management reviews).

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification. If you require an accommodation in the application process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team at (616) 846-4729.

Job Type: full time, salary, exempt

Pay: starting at $45,000 per year, dependent upon experience. Amount is not inclusive of total compensation package.

Benefits: Eligible, subject to new hire waiting period. Including but not limited to health insurance, 401k plan, and paid time off.