Senior Nursery Person – Full-Time

Location: Edmonton, Cairns, QLD | Competitive Salary Based on Experience

Mad About Plants is a well-established wholesale nursery in Far North Queensland, supplying premium plants to landscapers, developers, and retailers. We are seeking a Senior Nursery Person to oversee and manage our nursery operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Production & Propagation

• Prepare potting media and containers before planting
• Select seeds, bulbs, and cuttings for planting in beds, lawn areas, and tubs
• Perform budding and grafting of vegetative material onto root stock
• Develop and maintain comprehensive production schedules
• Establish precise growing regimes and plant maintenance schedules
• Monitor plant propagation, including manual and automatic watering operations

Plant Care & Maintenance

• Conduct regular crop monitoring, including pest and disease management
• Implement chemical and biological pest control solutions
• Manage irrigation systems to optimize plant growth conditions
• Maintain stock control records and track soil mixtures, plantings, treatments, losses, and yields
• Select and package plants for presentation and delivery

Sales & Customer Support

• Assist with quotes and tenders for landscape and civil development projects
• Provide expert advice on plant selection, growth conditions, and care
• Advise customers on plant care and appropriate plants for local conditions
• Develop customer relationships to improve service and product offerings

Staff Management & Operations

• Oversee daily operations and work schedules for up to 25 full-time, casual, and contract staff
• Conduct staff training, inductions, and performance management
• Ensure work efficiency, target setting, and adherence to quality standards

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Manage procurement of tubestock and plant materials
• Implement quality control measures across all production stages
• Oversee plant dispatch, ensuring accurate and timely order fulfillment
• Conduct stocktakes and maintain inventory control records
• Ensure compliance with WHS standards and industry best practices

Skills & Experience Required:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in nursery, horticulture, or plant production
• Qualification in Horticulture (AQF Level III or above) or equivalent experience
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Comprehensive knowledge of plant propagation and nursery operations
• Familiarity with WHS and chemical application compliance
• Experience in purchasing, sales forecasting, and customer engagement
• Forklift or tractor experience (preferred but not essential)

What We Offer:

• Full-time, long-term position with career development opportunities
• Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications