Job description
VerdantVista Farms is a premium urban horticulture company specializing in sustainable greenhouse production of culinary herbs and ornamental plants. We are seeking a results-driven Senior Horticulturist to lead our greenhouse operations in Portland, OR.
In this role, you will oversee propagation, crop scheduling, climate control, irrigation, and pest management to deliver high-quality plants for wholesale and local markets. You will collaborate with sustainability and R&D teams to implement best practices and scale operations.
What you'll love about this role: competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, career growth, and a culture of experimentation and stewardship.
Responsibility
- Oversee day-to-day greenhouse operations including climate control, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and canopy management to ensure optimal plant growth and yield.
- Lead propagation, seedling care, and crop scheduling for multiple plant varieties.
- Maintain optimal environmental conditions by monitoring temperature, humidity, light levels, and, when applicable, CO2; adjust systems and algorithms as needed.
- Manage irrigation and fertigation programs; calibrate controllers, track water usage, and optimize input efficiency.
- Monitor plant health and implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies; document issues and corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards; develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Manage inventory of seeds, growing media, nutrients, and equipment; coordinate maintenance and calibration of greenhouse instruments.
- Train, supervise, and mentor junior horticulturists and interns; assign tasks and review performance.
- Collaborate with R&D and product teams to trial new varieties and propagation methods for improved yield and quality.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in professional horticulture.
- 3+ years of greenhouse production experience with a focus on propagation, crop scheduling, and crop care; leadership experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable cultivation practices.
- Hands-on experience with climate control systems, irrigation controllers, fertigation, and data logging; proficient with MS Excel or Google Sheets for data tracking.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills; proven ability to lead a small team and coordinate cross-functional projects.
- Physical fitness to lift up to 40 lbs, stand for extended periods, and perform manual tasks in a greenhouse environment.
- Flexible schedule during peak seasons, including some weekend work; valid driver's license preferred.
- Commitment to safety, sanitation, and quality assurance.