Greenhouse Operator

Greenhouse operators run wholesale and retail horticultural firms ranging in size from small family businesses to operations employing over fifty 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, replace 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, plant diseases or nutritional deficiencies
• ensure safe handling, use, storage and disposal of pesticides
• develop and implement pest management plans for the greenhouse 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 and the handling, use, storage and disposal of pesticides.

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

• prepare soil for planting, 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 to water plants
• 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 will need to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while doing this.

Pruning or picking at heights up to two meters above the ground may be required.

Greenhouse operators need the following characteristics:

• strong interest to work with plants
• creative problem solving skills 
• decision making skills
• computer skills required to manage environmental control systems and inventory tracking
• manual dexterity and mechanical ability to deal with equipment 
• no severe allergies to plants, pollen, pesticides or other chemicals 
• comfortable occasionally working at heights up to two meters above the ground
• patience
• an eye for detail.

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 and 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 the areas of 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 in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Agriculture 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 that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

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

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry website: www.agric.gov.ab.ca

Alberta Environment and Parks website: aep.alberta.ca

Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association website: agga.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.