Nursery Manager at City of Trees

Role overview

City of Trees is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Nursery Manager to lead on the development of a new tree and wildflower nursery. The postholder will be responsible for growing and nurturing stock, implementing processes to ensure compliance with industry regulations and follow best practice to produce healthy and high-quality stock. The postholder will also work closely with the nursery’s Engagement Officer to develop an exciting activity plan to involve volunteers and learners in all aspects of nursery work, contributing to City of Trees’ green skills programme.

Responsibilities

• To oversee the development and day to day running of the City of Trees’ tree and wildflower nursery.
• Implement and manage effective procedures to ensure the health and quality of trees and wildflowers.
• Lead on the procurement of all seed and growing materials.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of nursery equipment to ensure smooth operations, procuring additional equipment and machinery where required.
• Develop and implement efficient monitoring processes, including tracking provenance to facilitate full traceability of stock.
• To be responsible for biosecurity at the nursery, ensuring compliance with industry rules and regulations, keeping up to date with best practice and identifying pests and diseases.
• Coordinate with the Forestry & Operations team to ensurethe timely and accurate delivery of plants for projects.
• Work alongside the Engagement Officer to develop and implement an innovative activity plan to enthuse and inspire volunteers and learners.
• Produce work schedules and assign duties to staff, volunteers and learners.
• Provide training to colleagues, volunteers and learners on all aspects of tree and wildflower production.

Qualifications

Experience (Essential):

• Proven experience in nursery management with knowledge of tree cultivation
• Implementing operational systems and processes
• An understanding of Plant Passports
• Knowledge of pest and disease management
• Good IT skills
• Training and upskilling others

Experience (Desirable):

• Experience of developing and setting up a nursery
• Working to Plant Healthy certification
• Working with volunteers

Personal Attributes (Essential):

• Good level of personal fitness and passion for working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Self-motivated with proven experience of working independently and as part of a team
• Practical problem-solving skills
• Highly organised
• Creative approach and ability to generate new ideas
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• A positive, proactive, flexible attitude

Qualifications (Essential):

• Full clean driving license

The perks

• Flexitime
• 25 days paid holiday plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
• Additional annual leave reward linked to continued service
• Training and development opportunities
• Employer matches 8% contribution pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme