Greenhouse Manager

Archdiocese of Detroit; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Notre Dame Prep seeks a dedicated Greenhouse Manager to oversee daily operations and educational use of the greenhouse. The role supports student learning, stewardship of creation, and responsible work practices.

The ideal candidate has practical horticultural experience, strong organization, and enthusiasm for working with JK-12 students. This hands-on position requires physical work in a climate-controlled greenhouse and outdoor spaces.

Qualifications

• Practical horticultural experience in greenhouse or field settings.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and organizational skills and comfort working with JK-12 students.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operation of the school greenhouse, including planting, watering, pruning, and pest management.
• Develop seasonal growing plans aligned with the school calendar and curriculum.
• Monitor environmental systems: temperature, humidity, irrigation, and lighting.
• Coordinate purchase/inventory of seeds, supplies, and equipment.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate greenhouse activities into learning experiences.
• Supervise and instruct students in greenhouse tasks.
• Maintain records of plantings, harvests, and expenses.

Skills

Horticulture

Organization

Student engagement

Independent work

Education

Degree in horticulture or related field

Tools

Greenhouse systems

Job description

Notre Dame Prep seeks a dedicated and hands-on Greenhouse Manager to oversee the daily operation, maintenance, and educational use of the school's greenhouse. This position will play an important role in supporting our students' academic learning, stewardship of creation, and appreciation for the dignity of work.

The ideal candidate will have practical horticultural experience, strong organizational skills, and an enthusiasm for working with students, junior kindergarten through grade 12. In keeping with our Catholic mission, the Greenhouse Manager will help cultivate an environment that encourages responsibility, service, care for creation, and respect for the natural world.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the school greenhouse, including planting, propagation, watering, fertilizing, pruning, harvesting, and pest management.
• Develop and maintain seasonal growing plans appropriate for the greenhouse and school calendar.
• Monitor greenhouse temperature, humidity, ventilation, irrigation, lighting, and other environmental systems.
• Maintain healthy plants and ensure the greenhouse is clean, organized, safe, and operational.
• Coordinate the purchase and inventory of seeds, soil, fertilizer, tools, growing supplies, and equipment.
• Work collaboratively with JK-12 faculty to incorporate the greenhouse into student learning experiences.
• Supervise and instruct students participating in greenhouse activities.
• Create meaningful opportunities for students to learn practical skills, responsibility, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
• Develop opportunities to use greenhouse produce for school programs, community service, donations, or other mission-aligned purposes.
• Maintain accurate records of plantings, harvests, supplies, maintenance, and expenses.
• Identify and address plant diseases, pests, equipment issues, and other greenhouse concerns.
• Follow all school safety policies and applicable horticultural and chemical-handling requirements.
• Assist with special projects, student clubs, service activities, and school events involving the greenhouse.
• Serve as moderator of the school's gardening club
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in horticulture, gardening, greenhouse management, agriculture, or a related field.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with lower school, middle school and high school students.
• Physical ability to perform routine greenhouse and gardening tasks, including lifting, bending, standing, and working in varying temperatures.

Preferred:

• Degree, certificate, or formal training in horticulture, agriculture, botany, environmental science, or a related field.
• Experience managing an educational or community greenhouse.
• Experience teaching, mentoring, or supervising students.
• Familiarity with sustainable growing practices, composting, integrated pest management, and/or hydroponics.
• Experience with greenhouse environmental-control systems.

This is a hands-on position requiring regular work in a greenhouse and outdoor growing areas. The Greenhouse Manager should be comfortable working in heat, humidity, varying weather conditions, soil, and other typical horticultural environments.

Notre Dame Prep has two beautiful classroom facilities located at 1300 Giddings Road, housing the preparatory (9-12) and middle (6-8) schools; and the lower school (PreK - 5) at 1425 Giddings Road.

NDP offers excellent faculty and staff benefits , and it is itself a center of faith, learning and culture. NDP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Notre Dame Prep is committed to creating a work environment in which employee relationships are characterized by dignity, courtesy, respect, and equitable treatment, as well as an environment where there are opportunities for participation, challenge, broadening experiences, and growth. NDP is committed to a work environment in which employees receive support, recognition, and appreciation for a job well done.

Notre Dame Prep is a Roman Catholic, Marist educational institution. All employees and staff are obligated to provide a Catholic role model for students, and may not engage in, nor endorse publicly, any actions or beliefs contrary to the teachings, standards, and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. Hiring and employment practices are based on job-related criteria including, but not limited to, one's fidelity to the Catholic faith, comporting oneself in a manner that is not detrimental to the Catholic Church or inconsistent with its teachings or principles, individual merit, ability, experience, performance, education, and training. These standards apply to all aspects of employment including hiring, selection, advancement, compensation, reasonable accommodation, promotion, training, retention, and termination.