Horticulturalist & Greenhouse Manager

Full-Time Horticulturalist & Greenhouse Manager

Houser Raspberry Ranch – La Cueva, New Mexico

About Houser Raspberry Ranch:

Located in the historic Mora Valley of Northern New Mexico, the Houser Raspberry Ranch is a 500 acre agricultural and agritourism destination featuring greenhouses, berry production, a historic hacienda, event venue, café, general store, and future expansion projects. Our mission is to preserve the rich agricultural heritage of the valley while building a sustainable, thriving destination for future generations.

Core Values: Respect • Kindness • Patience • Trustworthiness • Accountability

Position Summary:

The Houser Raspberry Ranch is seeking a passionate, experienced, and hands-on Full-Time Horticulturalist & Greenhouse Manager to oversee all greenhouse operations, plant propagation, crop production, and nursery management. This position is responsible for growing high-quality flowers, vegetables, herbs, berries, and ornamental plants from seed through maturity while helping expand our greenhouse operations and agricultural production.

The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field, along with practical greenhouse management experience and a strong understanding of plant propagation, irrigation, soil health, pest management, and crop production.

This is a leadership position with significant opportunity to help build one of Northern New Mexico's premier greenhouse and agricultural operations.

Reports To: Owner/General Manager, Houser Raspberry Ranch:

This position is ideal for someone who wants to build something special and leave a lasting legacy in New Mexico agriculture.

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Essential Responsibilities:

Greenhouse Operations

• Manage daily operations of all greenhouse facilities.
• Develop and maintain annual planting schedules and production calendars.
• Monitor environmental conditions including temperature, humidity, ventilation, lighting, and irrigation.
• Ensure optimal plant health and maximize crop yields.
• Maintain greenhouse cleanliness, organization, and biosecurity standards.
• Monitor inventory of seeds, growing media, fertilizers, containers, and supplies.

Plant Propagation - Propagate flowers, vegetables, herbs, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and ornamental plants from:

• Seed
• Cuttings
• Division
• Tissue culture (preferred but not required)
• Rootstock propagation
• Develop propagation protocols to maximize germination and success rates.
• Maintain detailed propagation and production records.

Crop Production - Oversee production of:

• Vegetable starts
• Bedding plants
• Hanging baskets
• Perennials
• Annual flowers
• Berry plants
• Specialty crops
• Monitor fertility programs and nutrient management.
• Conduct germination testing and crop evaluations.
• Improve production efficiency and profitability.

Pest & Disease Management

• Identify and diagnose plant diseases, insect infestations, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.
• Apply pesticides and treatments in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Maintain all application records.

Agricultural Production - Assist with field crop production including:

• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Pumpkins
• Sweet corn
• Sunflowers
• Hay and forage crops
• Support orchard and landscape plantings throughout the ranch.

Team Leadership

• Supervise greenhouse staff and seasonal workers.
• Train employees on propagation techniques and greenhouse procedures.
• Create work schedules and daily task assignments.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, respect, and excellence.

Business Development

• Develop new plant varieties and products for retail sale.
• Assist with greenhouse merchandising and customer education.
• Recommend greenhouse expansion opportunities.
• Support agritourism events and educational workshops.

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Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in: Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, Agronomy, Greenhouse Management, or related agricultural field
• Minimum 3 years greenhouse production experience.
• Strong knowledge of plant propagation and seed starting.
• Experience operating greenhouse irrigation and environmental control systems.
• Ability to identify plant diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred

• Certified Professional Horticulturist.
• Pesticide Applicator License.
• Experience with berry production.
• Experience managing commercial greenhouse operations.
• Experience with nursery retail sales and merchandising.

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Performance Expectations - The successful candidate will:

Year One

Increase greenhouse production capacity.

Achieve germination rates exceeding 85%.

Maintain healthy crop inventory with minimal losses.

Develop annual production plans.

Establish propagation protocols for berries and greenhouse crops.

Improve greenhouse profitability and efficiency.

Long-Term Goals

Expand greenhouse operations to support ranch growth.

Develop a reputation for producing premium plants throughout Northern New Mexico.

Support the ranch's vision of becoming a premier agritourism and agricultural destination.

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Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 – $75,000 annually (depending on experience)

Potential Performance Bonus:

• Based on greenhouse revenue growth.
• Crop yield performance.
• Plant survival rates.
• Profitability targets.
• Expansion milestones.

Benefits May Include:

• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Continuing education opportunities
• Housing assistance (if available)
• Employee discounts at ranch facilities