Aquatic Plant Production Specialist

Segrest Inc. is seeking a knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and self-motivated Aquatic Plant Production Specialist to support aquatic plant cultivation, propagation, and production operations at our Gibsonton and Ruskin, Florida facilities.

This position is responsible for maintaining healthy aquatic plant production systems, ensuring consistent plant propagation, monitoring inventory, and coordinating the movement of plants from grow-out through pack-out to support customer demand and sales objectives.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong interest in aquatic plants, horticulture, or aquaculture, along with excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with multiple departments.

• Aquatic Plant Production & Maintenance
• Monitor, test, and maintain appropriate water quality parameters across aquatic plant production systems to support optimal plant health and growth.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep of aquatic plant production systems, equipment, and greenhouse production areas.
• Plant, establish, cultivate, and maintain aquatic plants to ensure consistent and sustainable propagule production.
• Propagate aquatic plants using appropriate cultivation and propagation techniques to support ongoing production requirements.
• Regularly assess plant health, growth conditions, and overall production quality, identifying and addressing issues that may impact plant development or availability.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe production environments in accordance with company procedures.
• Inventory Management & Production Planning
• Monitor and maintain appropriate inventory levels of propagules and finished aquatic plants to support sales volume and fulfillment requirements.
• Coordinate the transition of aquatic plants from grow-out to pack-out, ensuring timely availability and consistent product quality.
• Track and analyze plant growth cycles, propagation rates, production yields, and inventory trends to support production planning and operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate and timely inventory records for aquatic plants, production materials, equipment, and related supplies.
• Identify potential inventory shortages, production delays, or quality concerns and communicate findings to appropriate stakeholders.
• Assist with production forecasting and planning to support anticipated sales demand.
• Maintain regular communication with the Marketing Manager and relevant Operations, Sales, and Pack-Out teams regarding plant availability, production timelines, and inventory needs.
• Coordinate activities between the Gibsonton and Ruskin facilities to ensure consistent production practices and efficient use of resources.
• Provide timely updates regarding plant health, inventory levels, production challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance plant quality, production efficiency, and inventory accuracy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Basic knowledge of aquatic plant biology, growth requirements, and plant health.
• Ability to identify common aquatic plant species and recognize signs of poor plant health or environmental stress.
• Familiarity with water quality parameters, testing procedures, and aquatic system maintenance.
• Knowledge of aquatic production systems, hydroponics, aquaculture, or greenhouse operations preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including maintaining spreadsheets, tracking inventory, and organizing production data.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and recordkeeping skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, and manage daily production activities with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and locations.
• Ability to identify production challenges, troubleshoot issues, and recommend practical solutions.
• Willingness to learn new propagation techniques, production methods, and operational processes.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Biology, Aquatic Science, Horticulture, Aquaculture, Plant Science, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent practical experience in aquatic plant cultivation, greenhouse production, aquaculture, hydroponics, or a related…