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To become a greenhouse manager, one must complete post-secondary education, gain work experience, learn management skills, and secure a position. The manager is responsible for growing plants and maintaining the environment. Horticultural training is the first step, followed by relevant work experience and managerial experience. Business management courses are recommended.
There are four steps required to become a greenhouse manager: completing post-secondary education, gaining related work experience, learning management skills, and securing a position as a greenhouse manager. The main responsibilities of a greenhouse manager include growing plants and maintaining the right environment. The roof and walls of a greenhouse are made of plastic or glass and are designed to absorb solar radiation from the sun. Heat is trapped inside the building, creating an ideal environment for plants, regardless of the weather outside.
Someone who wants to become a greenhouse manager is very skilled at growing and maintaining a variety of plants. Commonly known as the “green thumb”, he or she has knowledge of the basic requirements of different types of plants and has a knack for keeping them alive and thriving. Greenhouses are commonly found in North America and Europe, where colder weather disrupts the natural growing season for plants. A greenhouse can be a small backyard shed for personal use or an expansive production facility used to grow produce or plants to be sold.
The first step required to become a greenhouse manager is to complete a horticultural training program from an accredited college or university. These programs are available in a limited number of schools and are generally located in rural areas where opportunities for this type of work are greatest. Related education includes a degree in botany or general science.
Horticulture is a practical skill that has a large theoretical component. Look for a program that includes a cooperative or job placement option. Gaining relevant professional experience is very important for anyone wishing to become a greenhouse manager. Take the time to learn about the different options before selecting a program. Some schools offer courses specifically on greenhouse management and address some of the challenges unique to this sector.
Managing a greenhouse is a mid-career position, and a minimum of five years experience as a greenhouse worker is generally required. Anyone who wants to become a greenhouse manager should seek employment with a large greenhouse operation. There is a significant amount of on-the-job training required to learn how to manage greenhouses. For example, the pesticides, fertilizers and insects used in each greenhouse are based on the plants grown and the balance of the entire environment.
There are two types of related work experience: horticultural and managerial. Experience working on a production or tree farm or greenhouse is a great way to gain related experience. Other options include working at a botanical garden or plant store. Places that offer horticultural work experience include zoos, amusement parks, park management companies, and landscaping companies.
Managerial experience can be gained through temporary assignments as a floor supervisor or team leader. Take the initiative and volunteer for these positions if they are available so that you can gain valuable work experience. Other ways to gain managerial experience include volunteering to build a community garden, providing plant management courses, and working as a supervisor for a landscape garden company.
The best way to learn good management skills is to complete a program in business management. There are a variety of courses, seminars and degree programs dedicated to business management. Select the option that will meet your immediate needs and whatever you will be implementing the skills you have learned.
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