Schlegel Greenhouse, located in Indianapolis, IN, is seeking a talented Head Grower to join our team and help lead the growth of premium ornamental crops for garden centers throughout the Midwest.
Founded in 1972, Schlegel Greenhouse is a family-owned and operated wholesale greenhouse business serving independent garden centers, landscapers, and fundraising organizations throughout Indiana and the Midwest. Through our Hoosier Boy brand, we have built a reputation for producing premium-quality annuals, tropical foliage, hanging baskets, mixed containers, mums, poinsettias, and flowering perennials that are grown specifically for Midwestern conditions. As a multi-generational company, we combine decades of growing expertise with a strong commitment to quality, innovation, teamwork, and employee development. Our culture values collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance whenever possible.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Head Grower to oversee crop production across our greenhouse operations and help lead the next generation of growing excellence.
Position Overview
The Head Grower will play a critical leadership role in overseeing crop production and maintaining exceptional quality standards across greenhouse operations. This individual will lead all aspects of plant growth and crop health, including environmental management, fertility programs, irrigation, pest and disease control, and crop timing to ensure premium-quality ornamental crops.
In addition to growing responsibilities, the Head Grower will provide input on production systems and greenhouse equipment that directly support crop success, helping ensure systems operate efficiently and reliably.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced commercial greenhouse professional who enjoys hands-on crop management, plant problem-solving, team leadership, and continuous improvement.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 annually
Benefits Include:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Performance Bonus Opportunities
- Paid Vacation
- Professional Growth Opportunities
- Family-Oriented Company Culture
What You'll Do
Crop Production & Quality Management
- Monitor crops throughout all stages of growth and production
- Make environmental control decisions related to temperature, humidity, ventilation, and crop timing
- Oversee fertility management programs and plant nutrition strategies
- Direct irrigation scheduling and water management practices
- Recommend and implement plant growth regulator (PGR) programs
- Identify, diagnose, and resolve crop health issues
- Manage pest, disease, and cultural control programs
- Maintain high-quality standards across all crop categories
- Conduct regular crop walks and quality evaluations
- Collaborate with leadership and operations teams to ensure crops meet quality and delivery expectations
- Continuously evaluate growing practices to improve crop quality, consistency, and efficiency
Production Systems & Equipment Management
- Oversee and maintain production-related equipment used throughout greenhouse operations
- Troubleshoot, repair, and coordinate maintenance of grower-focused equipment including injectors, sprayers, irrigation systems, and environmental control systems
- Monitor equipment performance to ensure accurate fertilizer application, irrigation delivery, and crop protection programs
- Partner with ownership and maintenance personnel to identify equipment upgrades and operational improvements
- Develop preventative maintenance practices to minimize downtime during critical production periods
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and support growers and greenhouse staff
- Establish daily and weekly growing priorities
- Train, mentor, and develop team members on growing practices and crop quality standards
- Monitor execution of growing protocols and best practices
- Hold team members accountable for quality standards and performance expectations
- Partner with ownership and leadership to drive continuous improvement initiatives
Qualifications
Required
- 5+ years of commercial greenhouse growing experience
- Experience producing annuals, hanging baskets, mixed containers, flowering perennials, or similar ornamental crops
- Strong understanding of greenhouse environmental controls, crop timing, and plant nutrition
- Knowledge of fertility management, irrigation practices, and crop health management
- Ability to diagnose plant health issues and implement corrective actions
- Experience troubleshooting greenhouse production equipment such as injectors, sprayers, irrigation systems, or environmental controls
- Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and coordinate equipment repairs and maintenance
- Ability to work in a fast-paced greenhouse environment
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in greenhouse conditions year-round
Preferred
- 8+ years of commercial greenhouse growing experience
- Experience as a Head Grower, Assistant Head Grower, Lead Grower, Section Grower, Senior Grower, or similar leadership role
- Experience supervising and developing growers and greenhouse employees
- Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biological control programs
- Experience with greenhouse environmental control software and irrigation systems
- Familiarity with greenhouse management software and production recordkeeping
- Experience participating in crop reviews, production meetings, and crop walks
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is a skilled greenhouse grower with strong plant diagnostic abilities and a passion for producing exceptional crops. They thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy mentoring others, and possess the technical aptitude to troubleshoot the equipment and systems that support successful greenhouse production.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong crop management and plant troubleshooting skills
- Knowledge of greenhouse systems and production equipment
- Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills
- A proactive, hands-on leadership style
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Adaptability and resourcefulness
- Dependability and accountability
- A desire to contribute to the long-term success of the greenhouse operation
Why Join Schlegel Greenhouse?
At Schlegel Greenhouse, you'll join a team that genuinely values its people and its plants. We believe great crops start with great employees. Through monthly all-staff meetings, regular communication, recognition programs, and a collaborative work environment, we invest in our team members and create opportunities for long-term success.
If you're an experienced greenhouse grower looking to lead production, mentor a talented team, and make a lasting impact within a respected horticulture operation, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us continue growing some of the highest-quality ornamental crops in the Midwest.