Greenhouse Manager Miller Nature Preserve

The Greenhouse Manager assists the park manager with planning directing and coordinating the operation staff maintenance and associated programs for plant collections within Miller Nature Preserves Conservatory (5000 square foot glass house display) as well as the outdoor gardens. Performs various activities associated with the care maintenance development and operation of the greenhouse public gardens nature preserve buildings and grounds.

Oversees plant health care programs (including IPM) in coordination with the park manager. Researches develops and shares plant knowledge including identification and cultural care requirements. Collects and maintains records of information related to plant accessions removals transfers labeling and signage ensuring accuracy and quality control. Through regular assessment identify and report on plant pest or illness concerns determine and employ the best troubleshooting strategy to resolve issues promptly. Maintains plant care records and statistics for analysis and planning purposes and keeps spray application records introduction of beneficials log animal care and other records.

Performs various greenhouse and gardening tasks associated with the care and maintenance of the greenhouse collections and outdoor plantings including potting repotting watering fertilizing bed preparation and layout. Plants transplants and maintain plantings of outdoor trees shrubs flowers vegetables herbs fruits etc. Trims and pruning of trees and hedges. Inspects and diagnoses insects diseases and physiological and other disorders and utilizes fertilizers pesticides and cultural and biological methods to correct and control.

Responsible for the operation of the Conservatorys climate control system managing settings to ensure daily optimal growing conditions including temperature humidity light and ventilation are provided. Collaborates with the park manager to manage an inventory of tools equipment and supplies (i.e. fertilizer proportioners sprayers heating ventilating shading equipment etc.) including ordering and delivery while adhering to budgetary guidelines. Operates irrigation systems mowers edgers blowers rototillers snow blowers chainsaws power mechanical and hand tools and other equipment. Plans and constructs walls fences trellises garden pools etc. Installs services and repairs irrigation lines and valves heaters vents fans etc. Performs other greenhouse grounds and park maintenance duties. Repairs and maintains equipment vehicles and buildings. Performs janitorial duties. Ensures proper use care and safety of equipment and compliance with state and federal regulations related to pesticide application storage disposal and PPE use. Identify address and report on horticultural operational or safety concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.

Coordinates with the park manager education staff and others on the design installation and removal of seasonal displays exhibits and permanent installations including projects that impact the guest experience. Plans greenhouse displays drafts landscape ideas designs maps and irrigation layouts and implements indoor and outdoor planting plans. Prepares and presents public programs and demonstrations; conducts greenhouse and ground tours. Collects tour and program fees where applicable and processes related receipts and paperwork. Attends meetings and public speaking engagements as a Park District representative. Supports marketing and electronic media initiatives by developing content highlighting plant collections and participating in public outreach and media interviews. May write articles for in-house publications newspapers etc.

Performs various administrative duties (e.g. prepares requisitions monitors expenditures assists with preparing the budget maintains plant accession and performance records etc.). May assist with interviews and evaluations of staff interns and volunteers. Supervises the activity of staff interns and volunteers (e.g. schedule assign work motivate evaluate performance and resolve conflicts). Leads the interior conservatory volunteer program in partnership with the park manager including assessing needs onboarding training mentoring and supporting volunteers in horticultural practices. Assists the park manager in leading the outdoor plant care volunteer program Lead Gardener and other staff in maintaining outdoor gardens. Trains volunteers and employees in proper operational procedures park policies rules regulations equipment usage and safety practices. Assists the park manager with evaluating the effectiveness of operations and maintenance and suggests adjustments (e.g. new procedures timeframes and reports).

Participates in the Park District safety program. Assists with park opening closing and patrolling; cleans and maintains the facility and grounds. Assists Park Manager as needed and performs other duties as assigned while maintaining a strong focus on visitor experience and customer service.

Rate of Pay: $37000 to $72000 with $54000 at the midpoint. Commensurate with experience.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest résumé and application by 4:30 p.m. on Monday May 4 2026.

Associate or bachelors degree in horticulture plant science greenhouse management or any closely related field or equivalent combination of professional experience and training. Minimum of 5 years of experience in horticulture conservatory or greenhouse operations preferably within a public garden botanical garden museum zoo or similar visitor-focused institution. Experience in supervision of staff and volunteers with a strong emphasis on staff training mentorship and team development. Excellent customer service and public relations skills. Proficiency in the use of basic computer software including Microsoft and Google for standard office applications.

Experience managing and caring for diverse living plant collections including tropical or controlled environment collections. Ability to develop implement and communicate effective plant maintenance and care strategies that support high standards of plant health and presentation. Proven knowledge of plant health care practices including integrated pest management fertilization pruning and disease identification. Hands-on experience with conservatory or greenhouse climate control systems including temperature humidity lighting and ventilation. Experience with the Argus climate control system and plant collections database system is a plus. Experience with maintenance and repair of cold fog equipment (humidity control) and a baseline understanding of boiler operations is also a plus. Must be willing to acquire an Ohio Certified Pesticide Applicators License.

Experience with project planning scheduling and coordination across departments including collaboration with production of greenhouses facilities and operations teams. Experience in developing and implementing watering and plant care schedules developing special events purchasing and bookkeeping/point of sale use.

Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings weekends and holidays as needed. Physical ability to frequently lift carry or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability and willingness to perform hands-on horticultural work in a variety of environmental conditions including indoor and outdoor settings with exposure to heat humidity cold wind and rain. Commitment to supporting and advancing the mission values and public-facing goals of Lorain County Metro Parks.

Must possess a valid Ohio drivers license. New employees must complete a background check. Lorain County Metropolitan Park District policy prohibits hiring new employees who use tobacco.

Lorain County Metro Parks is an equal opportunity employer.