Container Nursery Farm Operations Lead

Sowela; Springfield (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Means Nursery of Ohio, LLC is seeking an experienced Container Nursery Farm Manager to lead daily operations at our Ohio nursery. This hands-on leadership role focuses on commercial plant production, building strong crews, and delivering high-quality plants from potting through shipping.

You will oversee production schedules, staffing, budgeting, and record-keeping while coordinating with sales, propagation, and plant health teams to meet customer demand.

Qualifications

• Horticulture degree or equivalent production experience.
• 5–10+ years of progressive nursery experience, including management.
• Practical knowledge of irrigation, plant nutrition, pruning, pest and disease management, and seasonal nursery production.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise crews, develop employees, and hold teams accountable with clear, respectful communication.
• Experience managing production schedules, labor needs, budgets, and inventory.
• A valid driver’s license.
• English and Spanish communication skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage container production: Plan and oversee potting, spacing, pruning, fertilization, weed control, overwintering, and preparation of plants for sale.
• Protect crop quality: Monitor plant health, irrigation, and growing conditions; address pests, diseases, and production problems promptly.
• Lead and develop employees: Recruit and hire staff; train crew leaders and team members; assign work; monitor productivity and quality.
• Execute production plans: Schedule labor, equipment, materials, and growing space to meet seasonal targets and shipping needs.
• Control costs and reduce losses: Develop and manage departmental budgets, track production performance, and improve methods to reduce plant loss and wasted labor or materials.
• Maintain accurate records: Keep plant inventory and production information current; oversee attendance, timekeeping, performance reviews, and employee documentation.
• Coordinate across departments: Work with management, sales, shipping, propagation, and plant health teams to align crop readiness with customer demand.
• Maintain the farm: Oversee the condition and upkeep of irrigation systems, equipment, growing areas, and facilities.
• Lead safe work practices: Train employees, reinforce safe equipment use and required protective equipment, and maintain clean, organized work areas.

Skills

Leadership

Production planning

Team management

Plant production

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Horticulture degree or equivalent production experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Nursery management software

Job description

Means Nursery of Ohio, LLC is seeking an experienced Container Nursery Farm Manager to lead daily operations at our Ohio nursery. This hands-on leadership role focuses on commercial plant production, building strong crews, and delivering high-quality plants from potting through shipping.

You will oversee production schedules, staffing, budgeting, and record-keeping while coordinating with sales, propagation, and plant health teams to meet customer demand.