Career Descriptions

Career opportunities may correspond with a variety of interests. This industry includes many members with diverse backgrounds and skills, who help to grow nursery plants and get them to the consumer and landscaping sites.

Propagator - Supervises crews directly involved in producing new plants from seed, cuttings, layering, and grafting. Manages production facilities and schedules.

Production Superintendent - Oversees all of the nursery's production phases, form planting to shipping. Makes operations decisions.

Division Manager - Manages production in one of the major divisions of a large wholesale grower operation.

Crew Supervisor - One of the skilled managers and trainers directing others in various nursery production operations.

Pest Management Specialist - Responsibilities include prevention and control of destructive insects, diseases, and weeds.

Inventory Controller - Manages nursery inventory and quality control by selecting stock according to buyer specifications and industry standards.

Shipping Manager - Supervises order assembly, packing and shipping schedules.

Landscape Designer/Architect - Prepares landscape designs and specifications through a nursery or an independent design firm.

Landscape Supervisor - Manages and trains landscape installation crews.

Landscape Superintendent - Coordinates all of the nursery's landscape installation.

Landscape Manager - Supervises all phases of day-to-day plant care in the landscape contractor business.

Arborist - Responsibilities focus on protecting and maintaining landscape trees.

Business Specialists - Successful nurseries need such professionals in a variety of fields: management, marketing, advertising, sales, direct mail, finance, personnel, customer service, etc.