Job Title: Horticultural Production Supervisor

Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Salary: Competitive, based on experience. With potential bonuses. $75,000 - $95,000
Position Type: Full-time, Permanent

About Us:

Heatons Nursery, is a medium to large wholesale nursery based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. We grow indoor plants, specialising in ferns and anthuriums and are committed to providing high quality plants and exceptional customer service. Our nursery uses the latest in horticultural technology and best practices, incorporating high end automation and growing techniques. As our business continues to grow, we are seeking a reliable, motivated, and experienced Horticultural Production Supervisor to join our team and oversee day-to-day operations in plant production, staff management, growing, and overall nursery operations.

Role Overview:

As a supervisor, you will be responsible for overseeing daily activities of our nursery, ensuring that production goals and plant health are met efficiently and safely. You will manage a team of nursery workers, lead plant care operations, and ensure that all work is performed to the highest quality standards. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will work closely with management.

For the right candidate, there is also potential for domestic and international travel as part of business development and industry networking opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Plant Production Management: Oversee daily operations related to plant production, including potting, dispatching, propagation and any other jobs required. Ensure that all tasks meet quality and timeline requirements.

Health & Safety Compliance: Enforce health and safety protocols, conduct regular safety briefings, and ensure compliance with all relevant workplace regulations.

Equipment and Facility Management: Ability to conduct regular maintenance of nursery equipment and facilities (e.g., greenhouses, irrigation systems, machinery and vehicles).

Training & Development: Provide on-the-job training to new and existing staff, ensuring proper techniques and safety procedures are followed. Mentor team members and support their professional growth.

Equipment & Facility Management: Ability to conduct regular maintenance of nursery equipment and facilities. Monitor irrigation systems, greenhouses, and other nursery infrastructure.

Quality Control: Monitor plant health, pest management, and growth to ensure high-quality products. Report any issues to senior management and implement corrective actions when necessary. Spraying and pest and disease identification.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Track daily production progress, monitor labour efficiency, and report key metrics to senior management. Identify areas for process improvement and cost-saving opportunities.

Resource Management: Assist in managing inventory of plants, materials, and supplies to ensure there are adequate resources for production needs.

Customer Focus: Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction by ensuring the timely and accurate fulfillment of orders and the quality of plants produced.

Supervise Nursery Staff: Manage and lead a team of workers, delegating tasks, ensuring productivity, and maintaining a positive work environment.

Qualifications & Experience:

Experience: At least 2-5 years of experience in horticulture, nursery management, or a related field. Previous supervisory experience.

Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage, motivate, and develop a team, while maintaining a positive and productive work environment.

Horticultural Knowledge: Solid understanding of plant care, pest management, irrigation, and general nursery operations.

Health & Safety: Knowledge of workplace health and safety standards and the ability to enforce these protocols effectively.

Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members, management, and customers.

Physical Stamina: Ability to work in outdoor environments, lift heavy loads, and be physically active throughout the day.

Problem-Solving Ability: Ability to identify operational issues and implement solutions to improve efficiency and productivity.

Technology Skills: Familiarity with nursery management software or basic computer skills for tracking production and inventory.

Personal Attributes:

Strong Work Ethic: A hands-on, proactive approach to managing daily nursery operations and ensuring quality production.

Attention to Detail: High attention to detail when overseeing plant care, team activities, and equipment usage.

Physical Stamina: Ability to work in physically demanding conditions (e.g., lifting, standing for long periods).

Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing schedules, tasks, and conditions in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer:

Competitive Salary: Based on experience $75,000 – $95,000.

Bonuses: Based on personal and business performance for right candidate.

Career Growth: Opportunities for career progression.

Training & Development: We invest in our staff’s professional growth and provide training and development opportunities.

Work Environment: A dynamic, hands-on environment where you’ll be able to make a real impact on the success of the nursery.

Travel Opportunities: Potential for domestic and international travel for the right candidate, including business trips, industry events, and networking opportunities.

How to Apply:

If you're a motivated and experienced horticultural professional with leadership experience, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you would be a great fit for our team.

Apply Now: [email protected]

Applications close April 23rd 2025