Nursery Person – Team Leader

We are seeking an experienced and skilled Nursery Person – Team Leader to join our nursery operations on a permanent full-time basis.

This is a hands-on horticultural position for an experienced nursery professional who can work confidently and independently across all aspects of commercial nursery production while also leading, supporting and training a small team of nursery staff.

The Nursery Person – Team Leader will report directly to the Managing Director of Fruitscapes and will play an important role in maintaining the quality, productivity and efficient day-to-day operation of the nursery.

Key Responsibilities

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Preparing propagation media, growing mixes, fertilisers, pots, trays and containers for commercial plant production.
• Propagating nursery stock using seed, cuttings, budding, grafting and other recognised nursery propagation techniques.
• Undertaking grafting activities, rootstock preparation and post-grafting care.
• Potting, transplanting, spacing, repotting and maintaining nursery stock throughout all stages of production.
• Monitoring irrigation, plant nutrition and environmental conditions to maintain healthy plant growth and production quality.
• Identifying pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies and plant disorders and implementing appropriate treatment strategies in accordance with workplace procedures.
• Pruning, training, staking and maintaining fruit trees and nursery stock to commercial production standards.
• Operating nursery tools, equipment and irrigation systems safely and effectively.
• Selecting, grading, labeling and preparing nursery stock for wholesale and retail orders and dispatch.
• Maintaining accurate production records relating to propagation, stock movements, treatments, plant health and production.
• Assisting with stock control and maintaining nursery presentation and growing areas.
• Maintaining high standards of nursery hygiene, biosecurity and quality assurance.
• Following workplace health and safety procedures at all times.
• Leading a small team of nursery staff and providing day-to-day guidance, support and practical training.
• Training and supporting new nursery staff in workplace procedures and production practices.
• Contributing to seasonal production planning and the efficient day-to-day operation of the nursery.
• Communicating production priorities, plant health issues and operational requirements directly to the Managing Director.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

• Certificate IV in Horticulture or above, or an equivalent relevant horticultural qualification.
• A minimum of two years' relevant practical experience in a similar commercial nursery or horticultural production role.
• Demonstrated practical experience in plant propagation, including grafting and/or budding.
• Sound knowledge of plant health, nutrition, irrigation, growing media, pest and disease management and commercial nursery production.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and use initiative in day-to-day nursery operations.
• The ability to lead, support and provide practical training to a small nursery team.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high production and plant-quality standards.
• Good organisational, communication and teamwork skills.
• A strong commitment to workplace health and safety, biosecurity and quality assurance procedures.
• The physical capacity to undertake hands-on nursery work in an outdoor environment.

Pay: $80,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year

Education:

• Certificate I - IV (Preferred)

Experience:

• Horticulture: 2 years (Required)
• Team Leader: 2 years (Required)

Licence/Certification:

• Cert 4 or above in Horticultre or similar (Required)

Work Authorisation:

• Australia (Required)

Work Location: In person