Tree Nursery and Forest Garden Manager

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Tree Nursery and Forest Garden Manager to join our team at the Kōanga Institute. As the Tree Nursery and Forest Garden Manager, you will play a vital role in the preservation and development of our heritage trees and the maintenance of our regenerative Forest Garden. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth of our organisation and promote sustainable regenerative practices in the field of horticulture.

Required Skills

  • Strong knowledge and experience in nursery management, including propagation, inventory control, and budgeting.
  • Familiarity with biological and regenerative farming practices.
  • Excellent organisational and planning abilities to ensure efficient nursery operations.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills. 
  • Proficiency in teaching and training methods for workshops and mentoring.
  • Attention to detail in record-keeping, reporting, and cataloguing.
  • Experience in managing packing and dispatch processes for tree orders.
  • Ability to supervise and guide trainees and volunteers.
  • Strong horticultural knowledge, including tree and plant care, pruning, and soil management.
  • Experience in managing and maintaining a forest garden.
  • Familiarity with seed collection and storage procedures.
  • Physical fitness and stamina for outdoor work in various weather conditions.
  • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
  • Self-motivated and proactive approach to work.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Basic IT skills for record-keeping and inventory management.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Tree Nursery [Key Responsibilities]

  • Plan, manage, and maintain the production and budget of the Kōanga Tree Nursery and collaborate with the Collections Manager and Business Manager for further development.
  • Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to introduce new varieties into production.
  • Ensure the tidiness and organisation of the open ground and root trainer nursery.
  • Implement biological and regenerative methods in nursery management, following Kōanga best practices.
  • Achieve production targets outlined in the annual propagation plan.
  • Assist in the preparation of the fruit tree catalogue and provide tree availability information.
  • Manage packing and dispatch of tree orders.
  • Supervise and provide guidance to trainees and volunteers within the forest garden and nursery.
  • Conduct propagation workshops and mentor interns in propagation methods.
  • Prepare monthly reports for the General Manager.
  • Attend staff meetings.

Forest Garden [Key Responsibilities]

  • Develop and manage the Kōanga Forest Garden based on the annual plan and management guidelines.
  • Maintain forest garden maps and labelling.
  • Update fruiting time charts and manage the associated database.
  • Oversee the management of poultry within the forest garden.
  • Develop and maintain fencing, water troughs, and firewood resources.
  • Collect seeds from trees as listed in the tree seeds list.
  • Manage the forest garden intern.
  • Maintain the composting toilet.
  • Conduct guided tours of the forest garden as required.

If you have a passion for regenerative agriculture and the skills to manage our tree nursery and forest garden, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position. Join us in creating a sustainable future and preserving our valuable heritage.

Joining the Kōanga team is an opportunity to be a part of a regeneration legacy and to learn and develop regenerative systems. If you think you are the right fit for this position, we would love to hear from you. 

Please fill out this application form here and attach your cv and two references.