Location: Sommerville, VIC, 3912
Full-Time: Immediate start
Job Title: Nursery Supervisor
Salary range: $75,000 - $85,000
Job Closure date: 30 days
About our client
Our client is a prominent leader in the FMCG and horticultural sector, operating advanced nursery and propagation facilities on the Mornington Peninsula. Specializing in the production of high-quality plants for commercial agriculture, landscaping, and environmental projects, they leverage sophisticated growing technologies and sustainable practices. Their integrated approach combines expert nursery management with modern propagation techniques, ensuring consistent quality and health across their diverse plant varieties. With a strong focus on innovation and quality assurance, they maintain industry-leading standards for plant production and customer service.
About the Role
On behalf of our client, we are seeking an experienced and dedicated Nursery Supervisor to lead their plant production and nursery operations. This hands-on leadership role requires a skilled horticultural professional with comprehensive knowledge of plant propagation, nursery management, and team supervision. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in all aspects of commercial plant production, from propagation through to dispatch, and will play a key role in maintaining the high standards that define our client's premium nursery products.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Nursery Operations & Team Supervision
• Provide direct supervision and leadership across all nursery workstations and farm activities, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to production schedules
• Coordinate daily team activities and resource allocation, optimizing staff productivity and maintaining high standards of workmanship
• Implement and monitor nursery operating procedures, ensuring consistent application of best practices across all production areas
• Conduct regular team meetings and training sessions to communicate production targets, quality standards, and safety protocols
Plant Propagation & Production Management
• Prepare and formulate specialized potting media and growing substrates, ensuring optimal composition and sterility for different plant species and production requirements
• Select and manage premium quality propagation materials including seeds, bulbs, and cuttings, implementing strategic planting schedules across various growing systems
• Execute advanced plant propagation techniques including budding and grafting onto selected rootstock, maintaining high success rates and ensuring genetic quality
• Monitor and coordinate planting operations across multiple production areas including garden beds, container systems, and specialized propagation facilities
Crop Health & Maintenance Operations
• Implement and manage precise irrigation regimes through both manual watering operations and automated control systems, ensuring optimal moisture levels for different plant varieties
• Develop and apply integrated pest management programs, including targeted pesticide applications to control pests, diseases, and nutritional disorders
• Conduct regular crop health monitoring and implement corrective actions for plant disorders, ensuring early intervention and minimal impact on production quality
• Maintain optimal growing conditions through careful environmental management and timely cultural practices
Quality Control & Customer Service
• Select and grade finished plants according to established quality standards, ensuring only premium specimens progress to packaging and dispatch stages
• Implement careful packaging and presentation procedures for plant products, maintaining quality and appearance during handling and transportation
• Maintain comprehensive production records including soil mixtures, planting data, treatment applications, crop losses, and final yields for analysis and reporting
• Provide expert horticultural advice to customers regarding plant care requirements and appropriate species selection for specific growing conditions
Administration & Compliance
• Maintain accurate records of all nursery activities including production data, treatment applications, and quality control measures
• Monitor and manage nursery inventory including plant stock, growing media, and production supplies to ensure efficient operation
• Implement and maintain nursery hygiene protocols and biosecurity measures to prevent disease introduction and spread
• Ensure compliance with all workplace health and safety regulations and quality assurance standards
Essential Qualifications & Experience
• Formal trade qualification in Horticulture, Nursery Production, or equivalent recognised certification
• Proven post-trade experience in a commercial nursery environment with demonstrated supervisory responsibilities
• Comprehensive knowledge of plant propagation techniques, nursery management, and quality control processes
Essential Skills & Attributes
• Strong leadership capabilities with ability to supervise teams and drive performance in a production environment
• Excellent attention to detail with commitment to maintaining high quality standards across all nursery operations
• Proven ability to work effectively within a team while demonstrating strong autonomous work capabilities
• Excellent communication skills with ability to interact effectively with team members, management, and customers
• Practical, hands-on approach with dedication to achieving production targets and quality outcomes
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic production environment
• Passion for horticulture with continuous interest in developing professional knowledge and skills
To Apply
If you are an experienced nursery professional with supervisory experience seeking a leadership role within a leading horticultural business, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience through the application portal.
