Nursery and Greenhouse Managers Onet SOC Code 11-9011.01 Career Description: Plan, organize, direct, control, and coordinate activities of workers engaged in propagating, cultivating, and harvesting horticultural specialties, such as trees, shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and other plants. Related Clusters: Programs of Study Nursery and Greenhouse Managers

Career Summary:

• Experience- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
• Education- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.
• Job Training- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
• Examples- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.

• 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, and/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, recordkeeping, inventory, requisitioning, and marketing activities.
• Prepare soil for planting, and plant or transplant seeds, bulbs, and cuttings.
• Confer with horticultural personnel in order 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.

• Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
• Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
• Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
• Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

• A high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D.) is required by most employers for this occupation. Managers usually begin as laborers who demonstrate a willingness to work hard, have good communication skills, and take an interest in the business. They may become a crew leader and then advance to the level of nursery manager. High school students who are interested in this job may prepare by taking courses in vocational agriculture, science, mathematics, chemistry, English, art, and horticulture. Any postsecondary experience in horticulture will be helpful in advancement in this field. Experience as a nursery or greenhouse worker after school or in the summer will provide an excellent background for students who wish to enter landscaping occupations.

• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

• Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Third Interest High-Point - Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• First Interest High-Point - Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

• Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
• Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
• Self Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
• Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
• Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
• Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
• Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
• Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
• Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
• Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
• Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
• Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
• Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
• Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
• Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
• Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

• Authority - Workers on this job give directions and instructions to others.
• Autonomy - Workers on this job plan their work with little supervision.
• Ability Utilization - Workers on this job make use of their individual abilities.
• Moral Values - Workers on this job are never pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
• Independence-Mean Extent - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
• Creativity - Workers on this job try out their own ideas.
• Responsibility - Workers on this job make decisions on their own.
• Achievement-Mean Extent - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
• Achievement - Workers on this job get a feeling of accomplishment.
• Variety - Workers on this job have something different to do every day.
• Recognition-Mean Extent - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
• Activity - Workers on this job are busy all the time.
• Recognition - Workers on this job receive recognition for the work they do.
• Relationships-Mean Extent - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
• Co-workers - Workers on this job have co-workers who are easy to get along with.
• Company Policies and Practices - Workers on this job are treated fairly by the company.

Wage and salary data provided by:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
• TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
• Bureau of Economic Analysis website