Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

TITLE: Production Manager

DEPARTMENT: Horticulture

REPORTS TO: Director of Horticulture

GENERAL SUMMARY: The Production Manager will work closely with the Director of Horticulture, Phipps staff members and outside designers to coordinate plant production for Phipps permanent collections, outdoor planting, exhibits including major flower shows, in-between displays, and special exhibits. The Production Manager will be responsible for researching and providing the crop requirements for all plant material grown in the production facility including light, temperature, irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide application. The Production Manager will develop crop schedule, maintain records and coordinate greenhouse use for maintenance need of our permanent collections.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Manage all aspects of plant production and production greenhouse operations.
2. Work with staff to encourage and promote teamwork and interdepartmental cooperation resulting in a collaborative work environment between horticulture and other departments. Represent and support management at Phipps to your staff and other staff at Phipps.
3. Oversee and work collegially with staff under your supervision. Train staff and volunteers on production techniques and requirements.
4. Review staff performance on an ongoing basis, addressing any issues immediately, coaching staff to help them develop and grow, and preform annual reviews.
5. Develop production procedures that result in the highest horticultural standards being met and that integrate with sustainability goals for energy-efficiency, waste reduction, healthy environments, etc.
6. Oversee the propagation and production of an extensive range of plants. Ensure the production schedule is met and solve problems as they arise. Ensure greenhouse settings are managed appropriately for pant needs, weather conditions, etc.
7. Determine if plants should be grown by seed, transplanted, brought in or outsourced.
8. With Associate Director of Exhibits, review plant lists and drawings to ensure that plant numbers, sizes and varieties on plant drawings are accurately reflected in production schedules. Make recommendations for plant selections that will enhance show designs.
9. Work with Integrated Pest Management Specialist to address needs and implement IPM strategies.
10. Monitor production facilities for maintenance needs and make recommendations to the Director of Horticulture for facilities improvements.
11. Set up and maintain a computerized plant and record keeping system as they relate to plant propagation.
12. Assign responsibilities to other staff, interns and volunteers.
13. Work with clerical staff to place and track orders.
14. Work with outside growers to produce uniform crops that exceed Phipps standards.
15. Work with other departments to provide plant material needed for classes, camps and conservatory activities.
16. Evaluate crops to determine future feasibility for displays.
17. Research and suggest new varieties and types of plants to be used for displays.
18. Write articles and present talks to promote Phipps plant collections and research. Lead greenhouse tours.
19. Represent the organization at horticulture conferences and professional events to maintain industry knowledge and build beneficial networks.
20. Conduct interviews with applicants for open positions.
21. Perform other duties as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Must have vast knowledge of plant material including cultural needs.
2. Proficiency with MS Access, Excel, Word, Internet and email software. Working knowledge of Argus software or other comparable greenhouse automation software.
3. Excellent research skills.
4. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
5. Strong attention to detail.
6. Ability to prioritize and work independently.
7. Ability to work effectively with the public and coworkers in a pleasant and courteous manner.
8. Able to work alone as well as in a team environment.
9. Knowledge of fertilizer regimens, fertigation systems, alkalinity, ph and other water quality topics associated with greenhouse production.
10. Basic knowledge of common greenhouse pests and ability to coordinate action plans with the integrated pest management specialist.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS:

1. Physical mobility: sitting, standing, walking, lifting/carrying objects up to 50 pounds; manual dexterity to operate keyboard.
2. Mental effort: reading, writing, analyzing, and visualizing.
3. Sensory requirement: Ability to communicate and respond to staff in a friendly and fair manner.
4. Strong work ethic in all areas of job performance
5. Ability to communicate and respond both in person and over the phone to the general public, staff, volunteers and board members in a friendly manner.
6. Able to work under deadlines and stress.
7. Able to give tours of the production greenhouses to staff and the public

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Ability to provide own transportation to perform principle responsibilities.
2. May require evening and weekend work.
3. Occasional travel is required.
4. Will have occasion to work in or pass through any area of the conservatory or growing houses.
5. Ability to work in a brightly lit hot greenhouse when needed.

MINIMUM POSITION GUIDELINES (Education, Experience and Certification)

1. Four-year degree in appropriate field. (Advanced degree a plus.)
2. 7 years demonstrated experience with propagation and production of diverse horticulture crops, including current technical knowledge of propagation protocols and procedures.
3. 5 years of management experience.
4. Ability to acquire PA pesticide license within 6 months of hire.
5. Licensed PA driver insurable by the conservatory.

Revisions, additions or deletions to this job description may be made at any point.

EOE

_______________________

Richard V. Piacentini

President and CEO

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