Nursery Person

Location: Sommerville, VIC, 3912

Full-Time: Immediate start

Job Title: Nursery Person

Salary range: $79,500 - $86,600

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. Specialising in high-value plant production, they supply premium stock for sophisticated agricultural operations, landscape projects, and commercial horticulture. Their integrated approach combines traditional horticultural expertise with modern propagation technologies and sustainable growing practices. With a focus on quality and innovation, they maintain state-of-the-art nursery facilities that support their diverse agricultural and horticultural enterprises.

About the Role

On behalf of our client, we are seeking an experienced and passionate Nursery Person to join their specialised production team. This role requires a skilled horticulturist with comprehensive knowledge of plant propagation, nursery management, and quality control processes. 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 plant products.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Plant Propagation & Production Management

• Prepare and formulate specialised potting media and growing substrates, ensuring optimal composition and sterility before planting operations commence

• Select and manage premium quality seeds, bulbs, and cuttings, implementing strategic planting schedules across beds, container areas, and specialised growing systems

• Execute advanced vegetative propagation techniques including budding and grafting onto selected rootstock, maintaining high success rates and genetic integrity

• Monitor and maintain optimal growing conditions throughout all production stages, implementing adjustments to environmental controls as required for different plant varieties

Crop Health & Maintenance Operations

• Implement comprehensive watering regimes through both manual irrigation and automated control systems, ensuring precise moisture management for different plant species

• Apply integrated pest management strategies, including targeted pesticide applications to control pests, diseases, and nutritional disorders while minimising environmental impact

• Conduct regular plant health assessments, identifying and addressing potential issues with pests, diseases, weeds, and environmental stress factors before they impact crop quality

• Maintain detailed records of all growing activities including soil mixtures, planting dates, treatments applied, crop losses, and final yields for continuous improvement analysis

Quality Control & Customer Service

• Select and grade finished plants according to strict quality standards, ensuring only premium specimens progress to packaging and dispatch stages

• Package and prepare plants for presentation and delivery, implementing careful handling procedures to maintain plant health and appearance during transportation

• Provide expert advice to internal teams and commercial customers on plant care requirements, species selection, and appropriate plants for specific local growing conditions

• Maintain comprehensive production records and quality documentation, enabling full traceability and supporting data-driven decision making for future crop planning

Operational Excellence & Continuous 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 the production facilities

• Monitor and manage nursery inventory, including plant stock, growing media, and production supplies to ensure uninterrupted operation of nursery activities

• Contribute to the development and improvement of nursery protocols and production systems, sharing knowledge and expertise with other 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 progression to senior level responsibilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of plant propagation techniques, pest and disease management, and nursery production systems

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail with a commitment to maintaining high quality standards across all nursery operations

• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively liaise with team members, management, and commercial customers

• Proven ability to work autonomously while demonstrating strong collaborative skills within a team environment

• Practical, hands-on approach with a commitment to achieving production targets and quality outcomes

• Flexibility to adapt to seasonal demands and changing priorities in a dynamic production environment

• Passion for plants and horticulture with continuous interest in developing 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.

Please note: We are managing this recruitment process on behalf of our client. All applications will be reviewed by our team before being presented to the client.