Propagation Manager / Grower
Willowbrook Nurseries Inc. – Fenwick, Ontario
Grow Plants. Lead People. Make an Impact.
At Willowbrook Nurseries, we're passionate about growing exceptional plants and developing exceptional people. As one of Canada's leading wholesale nurseries, we produce the highest-quality shrubs, trees, evergreens, perennials, and ornamental plants, which are shipped across Canada and the United States.
We're looking for a hands-on Propagation Manager/Grower to lead our propagation program and help us produce healthy, high-quality crops from cuttings to liners. This is an opportunity for an experienced grower who enjoys being in the greenhouse, working with plants every day, and leading a team toward success.
This is not a desk job. You'll be actively involved in propagation, crop care, environmental management, irrigation, IPM, and team leadership while working alongside a dedicated growing team.
What You'll Do
Propagation & Crop Production
- Lead all propagation activities for shrubs and perennials.
- Manage crops from cutting through rooting, holding, and shipping.
- Monitor plant health and crop quality throughout production.
- Coordinate production schedules with the Head Grower.
- Ensure accurate inventory tracking of cuttings, liners, and propagated material.
Environmental & Irrigation Management
- Manage mist, irrigation, and greenhouse climate systems.
- Monitor environmental conditions to maximize rooting success and crop quality.
- Oversee water quality systems, including RO and water treatment systems.
- Respond to greenhouse alarms and troubleshoot issues as needed.
Plant Health & Quality
- Scout crops for insects, disease, and cultural issues.
- Participate in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.
- Maintain high-quality standards across all propagation crops.
- Work closely with the Plant Health and Quality team to ensure crop success.
Team Leadership
- Lead and support propagation staff and seasonal workers.
- Schedule labour based on production requirements.
- Train team members and promote safe work practices.
- Foster a positive, productive work environment.
Greenhouse Operations
- Monitor greenhouse infrastructure and equipment.
- Coordinate maintenance needs to prevent crop loss and downtime.
- Ensure propagation areas remain organized, efficient, and clean.
What We're Looking For
- Experience in greenhouse growing, nursery production, propagation, or horticulture.
- Strong knowledge of plant production, irrigation, and environmental controls.
- Experience leading teams in a greenhouse, nursery, or agricultural environment.
- Understanding of IPM principles and plant health management.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
- Willingness to participate in weekend greenhouse checks and after-hours alarm response when required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or a related field.
- Nursery or greenhouse growing experience.
- Pesticide Applicator License (or willingness to obtain).
- Experience with propagation of woody ornamentals and perennials.
Why Join Willowbrook?
- Join one of Canada's leading wholesale nurseries.
- Work with a diverse range of crops and modern growing facilities.
- Opportunity to make a direct impact on crop quality and production success.
- Supportive leadership team committed to continuous improvement.
- Competitive compensation based on experience.
- Benefits package available.
- Long-term career growth opportunities.
About Willowbrook Nurseries
Willowbrook Nurseries is a family-owned wholesale nursery located in Fenwick, Ontario. We grow a wide range of shrubs, perennials, evergreens, fruit trees, and ornamental plants for garden retailers and landscapers across Canada and the northeastern United States. Our success is built on four core values: Honesty, Respect, Dedication, and Teamwork.
Pay: From $29.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Life insurance
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
