Production Manager

Production Manager

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

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.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of plant production and production greenhouse operations.
• 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.
• Oversee and work collegially with staff under your supervision. Train staff and volunteers on production techniques and requirements.
• Review staff performance on an ongoing basis, addressing any issues immediately, coaching staff to help them develop and grow, and perform annual reviews.
• 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.
• 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 plant needs, weather conditions, etc.
• Determine if plants should be grown by seed, transplanted, brought in or outsourced.
• 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.
• Work with Integrated Pest Management Specialist to address needs and implement IPM strategies.
• Monitor production facilities for maintenance needs and make recommendations to the Director of Horticulture for facilities improvements.
• Set up and maintain a computerized plant and record keeping system as they relate to plant propagation.
• Assign responsibilities to other staff, interns and volunteers.
• Work with clerical staff to place and track orders.
• Work with outside growers to produce uniform crops that exceed Phipps standards.
• Work with other departments to provide plant material needed for classes, camps and conservatory activities.
• Evaluate crops to determine future feasibility for displays.
• Research and suggest new varieties and types of plants to be used for displays.
• Write articles and present talks to promote Phipps' plant collections and research. Lead greenhouse tours.
• Represent the organization at horticulture conferences and professional events to maintain industry knowledge and build beneficial networks.
• Conduct interviews with applicants for open positions.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Physical, Mental and Sensory Dimensions

Working Conditions

Minimum Position Guidelines (Education, Experience and Certification)

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

EOE

Richard V. Piacentini

President and CEO