Location: Sommerville, VIC, 3912
Full-Time: Immediate start
Job Title: Senior Nursery Person
Salary range: $76,600 - $85,000
Job Closure date: 30 days
About our Client
Our client is an established leader in the horticultural and FMCG sector, operating advanced nursery production facilities on the Mornington Peninsula. They specialise in producing high-quality plants for commercial agriculture, landscaping, and environmental projects, leveraging their expertise in plant propagation and nursery management. Their operations integrate traditional horticultural knowledge with modern growing technologies, focusing on sustainable practices and quality outcomes across their diverse plant production systems.
About the Role
On behalf of our client, we are seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Nurseryperson to join their production team. This role requires a skilled horticultural professional with comprehensive knowledge of plant propagation, nursery management, and quality assurance processes. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in all aspects of commercial plant production and will play a key role in maintaining the high standards that define our client's premium nursery products.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Plant Production & Propagation Management
• Prepare and formulate specialised 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 areas and container systems
• Execute advanced plant propagation techniques including budding and grafting onto selected rootstock, maintaining high success rates and ensuring genetic quality and consistency
• Monitor and coordinate planting operations across multiple production areas including garden beds, lawn sections, and container growing systems
Crop Management & Maintenance
• 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 while maintaining environmental responsibility
• 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 Assurance & Operational Excellence
• 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 continuous improvement
• Provide expert horticultural advice to customers and internal teams regarding plant care requirements and appropriate species selection for specific growing conditions
Team Leadership & Process Improvement
• Coordinate with production and logistics teams to ensure timely availability of plants for various projects and customer requirements
• Implement and maintain nursery hygiene protocols and biosecurity measures to prevent disease introduction and spread throughout production facilities
• Monitor and manage nursery inventory including plant stock, growing media, and production supplies to ensure efficient operation of all nursery activities
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of nursery protocols and production systems, sharing knowledge and mentoring junior team members
Essential Qualifications & Experience
• Formal trade qualification in Horticulture, Nursery Production, or equivalent recognised certification
• Proven post-trade experience in a commercial nursery or plant production environment, with demonstrated ability to handle senior responsibilities
• Comprehensive knowledge of plant propagation techniques, nursery management, and quality control processes
Essential Skills & Attributes
• Strong attention to detail with commitment to maintaining high quality standards across all nursery operations
• Excellent communication skills with ability to effectively interact with team members, management, and customers
• Proven ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a team environment
• Practical, hands-on approach with dedication to achieving production targets and quality outcomes
• Flexibility to adapt to seasonal demands and changing 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 seeking a senior 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.
