Production Manager - Advanced Tree Farm. Kilby Park Tree Farm. Kew, Melbourne, VIC. Horticulture (Farming, Animals & Conservation). Full-time. Add expected salary to your profile for insights.

About the Role: We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Tree Nursery Production Manager to lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of our growing tree nursery production team across multiple locations. The ideal candidate will ensure the cultivation and maintenance of high-quality advanced trees and shrubs while promoting sustainability, safety, and operational efficiency. This role also requires effective leadership in managing production teams and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of products.

Location: All Kilby Park Tree Farm Sites (Current and New Sites as They Are Acquired and Developed). Kew, Victoria. Olinda, Victoria. Red Hill South, Victoria. Retail: Canterbury Rd, Surrey Hills.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Health and Safety: Contribute to and manage OHS processes, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and promoting a safety-first culture across all production staff. Recommend and administer OHS requirements and best practices, ensuring that all production staff adhere to safety standards.

Production Management: Lead and manage the production team to grow and maintain the highest quality advanced trees and shrubs available in the industry. Coordinate daily worksite activities and implement sustainable work practices for optimal results.

Ensure the timely and proper repotting of trees and shrubs, adjusting to seasonal or climate-specific requirements. Monitor and manage irrigation systems, ensuring proper water usage in accordance with current climate demands. Implement pruning, weed control, and general plant care practices to maintain plant health. Administer pest and disease control programs to minimize risks and improve overall plant quality.

Resource and Equipment Management: Oversee the maintenance and operation of irrigation systems and manage water quality, including testing, maintaining, and managing bore water systems.

Lead and manage plant nutrition programs, ensuring the appropriate application of fertilizers and plant care chemicals. Supervise the storage, handling, and safe application of chemicals, adhering to all relevant guidelines and regulations. Manage the training and correct usage of all equipment and machinery utilized in the production process.

Team Leadership & Development: Develop and lead a high-performing team by training and empowering staff, cultivating a leadership pipeline within the production team. Recommend and implement strategies to improve performance outcomes and production efficiencies, specifically for the Kew Farm site. Provide mentorship and training opportunities for staff, building a team of experts in advanced tree and shrub production.

Operational Support: Support the logistics team in the transportation, movement, and preparation of plants as needed. Assist in the preparation and maintenance of new growing areas, ensuring that they are ready for future production. Contribute to and support the development of calendarized production schedules to ensure timely and accurate planning.

Reporting & Communication: Prepare and submit regular reports on production progress, plant health, and operational issues as required. Participate in organizational meetings and contribute insights to the overall operational strategy.

Key Qualifications & Skills: Proven experience in tree nursery production, horticulture management, or a related field. Strong knowledge of advanced tree and shrub cultivation, including repotting, irrigation, pest control, pruning, and plant nutrition. Experience in managing irrigation systems, bore water quality, and other essential nursery resources. Ability to manage a diverse team with excellent leadership and training skills. Knowledge of OHS regulations and a commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to recommend process improvements. Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and locations. Familiarity with the handling and safe application of chemicals and fertilizers in the nursery setting. Ability to work across different locations and environments, including outdoor and physically demanding work.

Why Join Us? Opportunity to work with a leading organization in the nursery and horticultural industry. Be part of a collaborative and growth-oriented team with a strong focus on sustainability. Competitive salary and benefits package. Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

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Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience to: jobs@kilbytreefarm.com.au