Nursery and Greenhouse Managers

Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.

Identify plants as well as problems such as diseases, weeds, and insect pests.

Tour work areas to observe work being done, to inspect crops, and to evaluate plant and soil conditions.

Assign work schedules and duties to nursery or greenhouse staff, and supervise their work.

Determine plant growing conditions, such as greenhouses, hydroponics, or natural settings, and set planting and care schedules.

Apply pesticides and fertilizers to plants.

Hire employees, and train them in gardening techniques.

Select and purchase seeds, plant nutrients, disease control chemicals, and garden and lawn care equipment.

Determine types and quantities of horticultural plants to be grown, based on budgets, projected sales volumes, or executive directives.

Explain and enforce safety regulations and policies.

Position and regulate plant irrigation systems, and program environmental and irrigation control computers.

Inspect facilities and equipment for signs of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work.

Coordinate clerical, record-keeping, inventory, requisitioning, and marketing activities.

Prepare soil for planting, and plant or transplant seeds, bulbs, and cuttings.

Confer with horticultural personnel to plan facility renovations or additions.

Cut and prune trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants.

Provide information to customers on the care of trees, shrubs, flowers, plants, and lawns.

Construct structures and accessories such as greenhouses and benches.

Negotiate contracts such as those for land leases or tree purchases.

Graft plants.