Job description
Verdant Grove Nurseries is seeking a seasoned Senior Horticulturist to lead propagation, climate-controlled cultivation, and sustainable production in our Salinas facility. You will oversee high-quality plant production for premium landscape clients, urban agriculture partnerships, and in-house trial programs.
We prize technical excellence, data-driven decisions, and a collaborative culture that values innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship.
Responsibility
- Lead propagation and cultivation of ornamental and edible crops in greenhouse and controlled environments.
- Optimize irrigation, fertigation, nutrient management, and water-use efficiency.
- Develop production plans, crop forecasts, and inventory control to ensure on-time plant availability.
- Manage a team of growers and seasonal staff; provide coaching, safety training, and performance feedback.
- Implement integrated pest management (IPM) and quality control protocols across facilities.
- Collaborate with R&D on cultivar trials, data collection, and trait evaluations.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, sanitation, and sustainability goals.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field (or 5+ years of hands-on horticulture experience).
- 3+ years of greenhouse propagation, crop scheduling, and people leadership.
- Strong knowledge of hydroponics/soilless systems, climate control, fertigation, and nutrition management.
- Proficiency with data management tools (Excel, ERP, greenhouse software) and production reporting.
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management skills.
- Experience with IPM, sanitation, and sustainable farming practices.
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in varied conditions.