Experienced Head Grower

Experienced Head Grower - North Central Illinois

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Head Grower to lead the production of high-quality native plants at a growing, environmentally focused nursery. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands plant production from propagation through finishing and takes pride in producing healthy, vigorous, market-ready plants.

Head Grower Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all aspects of nursery growing operations, including propagation, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease management, and plant nutrition.
• Develop and maintain production schedules to ensure crops are ready when needed.
• Monitor plant health, growth, quality, and overall crop performance.
• Manage irrigation systems and adjust watering practices based on plant needs, weather, and seasonal conditions.
• Establish and maintain integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
• Coordinate greenhouse, shade-house, and outdoor production areas.
• Train, supervise, and support nursery production staff.
• Maintain accurate production records and track crop performance.
• Identify production challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Help select appropriate growing media, fertilizers, containers, and production methods.
• Work closely with management to forecast production needs and improve efficiency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe growing environment.
• Stay current on native plant production techniques, sustainable growing practices, and industry developments.       

Head Grower Key Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional nursery growing or horticultural production experience; native plant experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of plant propagation, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and crop scheduling.
• Experience managing crops from propagation through finished product.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-management skills.
• Strong plant identification and diagnostic abilities.
• Ability to work outdoors and in greenhouse/nursery environments in varying weather conditions.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate and maintain basic nursery equipment and irrigation systems.
• Horticulture, plant science, botany, or a related degree is preferred but not required with strong practical experience.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate is a hands-on horticulture professional and natural leader who enjoys working with plants, people, and production systems. You should be comfortable making day-to-day growing decisions, getting your hands dirty, troubleshooting problems, and taking ownership of crop quality and production results.

Experience with native plants, regional ecosystems, water-efficient growing practices, restoration plant material, or sustainable nursery production is highly valued.

What We Offer

• Benefits package, 401K
• Opportunities for professional growth
• A collaborative, mission-driven work environment
• The opportunity to help grow plants that support native landscapes, habitat, and ecological restoration

To Apply: Please submit a current resume. Only those who provide a resume and meet the qualifications will be contacted for consideration.

For questions regarding this or any other nursery, horticulture, or agricultural opportunities please contact Kim Kavanaugh at 440-367-6025 or by email at kim.kavanaugh@gogpac.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.