Head Gower – Native Plant Nursery

Native Roots LLC
Twin Falls, Idaho

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: [Insert Range] per year
Benefits: Paid time off (no health, retirement, housing, or bonus benefits)
Experience Required: 3–6 years

Position Summary

Native Roots LLC is a wholesale native plant nursery specializing in the greenhouse production of Intermountain West native plant species for retail nurseries, landscape installation, and commercial planting projects. Production includes a wide range of functional plant groups, including forbs, sedges, grasses, shrubs, and trees.

We are seeking a Head Grower to oversee greenhouse plant production and lead day-to-day growing operations. This role works closely with the Production Manager to execute production runs and ensure high-quality native plant production from seed to finished product.

The Head Grower will be responsible for crop propagation, environmental management, plant health, and supervising greenhouse staff. This position is ideal for someone with strong technical knowledge of native plant propagation and greenhouse systems who enjoys hands-on leadership in a production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Crop Propagation & Production

• Lead propagation of native species from seed and implement sowing protocols
• Apply seed pre-treatments including stratification, scarification, hydrogen peroxide treatments, and hormonal treatments (GA)
• Manage germination testing and seed viability assessments (TZ testing, PLS interpretation)
• Oversee crop growth from germination through finished product
• Monitor crop development and adjust irrigation, fertility, and cultural practices
• Ensure consistent plant quality and root development in containerized production

Seed Management

• Support seed collection including small-to-medium scale field collection by hand
• Oversee seed cleaning, processing, and storage to maintain viability and vigor
• Maintain seed inventory and documentation
• Implement appropriate seed storage and handling protocols

Greenhouse Operations

• Manage day-to-day greenhouse operations and environmental controls
• Monitor irrigation systems and water management practices
• Manage nutrient programs appropriate for native species
• Manage environmental factors including light, temperature, and humidity
• Utilize supplemental grow lights when appropriate
• Adjust greenhouse production practices based on seasonal changes

Plant Health & IPM

• Monitor crops for pests, pathogens, and physiological disorders
• Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies
• Diagnose plant health issues and implement treatment plans
• Maintain sanitation and biosecurity practices

Staff Leadership

• Supervise and mentor greenhouse technicians and seasonal staff
• Lead a hands-on team environment while working directly on the production floor
• Train staff on propagation techniques and crop care protocols
• Ensure daily tasks are completed safely and efficiently

Production Coordination

• Work closely with the Production Manager to meet production timelines
• Implement crop production schedules and propagation plans
• Track crop progress and communicate production updates

Data & Documentation

• Maintain records of seed treatments, germination rates, crop performance, and production metrics
• Track and analyze production data to improve crop quality and efficiency
• Utilize software tools such as Excel, Word, and Outlook for documentation and reporting

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Ecology, Botany, Natural Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Familiarity with native plant species of the Intermountain West
• Demonstrated experience propagating native plants from seed
• Strong understanding of seed biology, dormancy mechanisms, and germination strategies
• Experience working in greenhouse production environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing seed pre-treatments such as stratification, scarification, hydrogen peroxide treatments, and GA applications
• Experience with seed cleaning equipment and seed processing methods
• Knowledge of seed metrics including Pure Live Seed (PLS) and tetrazolium testing
• Experience managing greenhouse environmental controls and irrigation systems
• Familiarity with supplemental lighting systems and light management for plant production
• Experience supervising greenhouse teams

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in greenhouse environments including high humidity and elevated temperatures
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Ability to stand, bend, and perform repetitive tasks