Greenhouse Operator

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Nursery and Greenhouse Operators and Managers (8254) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Nursery and Greenhouse Operators and Managers (I014) 
• 2011 NOC: Managers in horticulture (0822) 
• 2016 NOC: Managers in horticulture (0822) 

Greenhouse operators run wholesale and retail horticultural firms ranging in size from small family businesses to operations employing over 50 people. They may deal with all kinds of plants and produce, or specialize in a particular type. Their duties and responsibilities therefore vary. But, in general, greenhouse operators:

• determine the type and quantity of plants to grow or stock (for example, cut or potted flowers, bedding plants, vegetables, plant varieties)
• determine the environmental conditions required to grow the selected plants and set planting and care schedules accordingly
• design, install, maintain and program environmental control and irrigation systems
• perform basic structural repairs to the greenhouse (for example, replacing panes of glass, vent motors or environmental control components)
• co-ordinate and perform exterior greenhouse maintenance (for example, cleaning glass or other glazing and installing adequate drainage)
• supervise staff in planting, transplanting, pruning, feeding and spraying plants
• identify and control problems caused by insects, rodents, disease or nutritional deficiencies
• ensure safe handling, use, storage and disposal of pesticides, in compliance with provincial and federal regulations
• develop and implement pest management plans when needed
• operate and maintain carbon dioxide generators, ultraviolet sterilizers, water treatment machines and related equipment
• develop marketing plans
• provide information about plant selection and care
• order equipment and supplies
• hire, train and supervise staff
• prepare and adhere to budgets and maintain records
• keep up to date regarding new technologies and techniques (for example, biological crop protection, water capture and recirculation systems, new plant varieties)
• ensure compliance with applicable provincial and federal regulations regarding food safety.

In smaller operations, greenhouse operators also may do some of the hands-on work. They may:

• prepare soil for planting and plant bulbs, seeds and cuttings
• graft plants, transplant seedlings and rooted cuttings, and train and prune plants
• remove weeds, spray plants with pesticides and apply fertilizers
• position and regulate greenhouse irrigation systems
• set up irrigation systems in soil-less growing media
• maintain boilers, furnaces, electrical systems and fans
• construct greenhouses and benches.

Greenhouse operators usually work indoors in greenhouses and offices. In some situations, they also may work outdoors in shade houses. Their hours of work often are long and irregular, particularly in the spring and summer months. Those who work in greenhouses that operate on a year-round basis may experience different busy periods. The work can be hectic at times and satisfying customer needs can be stressful. Operators sometimes work with pest management products and need to use personal protective equipment (PPE) while doing so.

Pruning or picking at heights of up to 2 metres above the ground may be required.

Greenhouse operators need:

• interest in working with plants
• patience
• attention to detail
• manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude to deal with equipment
• creative problem-solving skills
• decision-making skills
• computer skills to manage environmental control systems and inventory tracking
• no severe allergies to plants, pollen, pesticides or other chemicals.

Those in retail operations also must be able to deal courteously and effectively with the public.

Greenhouse operators should enjoy directing the work of others, organizing greenhouse operations and providing information to customers.

Greenhouse operators may be self-employed or employed as greenhouse or garden centre managers. Most work in the wholesale or retail industry; some work for government departments or research centres.

Greenhouse operators generally start in junior positions, then work their way up or start their own businesses. Greenhouse positions may be full time, part time or seasonal. Advancement depends on aptitude, performance and the availability of supervisory positions. Opportunities for advancement beyond the greenhouse operator level are limited and require additional training in business and science.

Greenhouse operators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 0822: Managers in horticulture. In Alberta, 90% of people employed in this classification work in the Agricultural [pdf] industry.

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Agricultural industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association website: agga.ca

Government of Alberta, Agriculture and Forestry website: www.alberta.ca/agriculture-and-forestry.aspx

Government of Alberta, Environment and Parks website: www.alberta.ca/environment-and-parks.aspx

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