Job Title: Nursery site officer
Reports to: Agro Ecosystems Specialist – Coastal Region
Direct Reports: Nursery Workers
JOB PURPOSE:
The Site Forester, Agro – ecosystems is responsible for managing and overseeing the daily operations of a Site and nursery activities, ensuring the successful propagation, cultivation, grafting and maintenance of tree seedlings. The role involves supervising staff, maintaining plant health, managing resources, and ensuring trees are ready for planting or distribution. Site forester – Agroecosystems plays a crucial role in supporting reforestation and agroforestry initiatives by producing healthy trees that meet environmental and project requirements.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Tree Propagation and Cultivation:
- Oversee the planting, growing, and care of tree seedlings from seeds or cuttings.
- Ensure proper watering, bio – fertilizer & bio – pesticide application.
- Monitor the growth and health of seedlings and take corrective actions when necessary to promote optimal growth.
- Implement best practices in tree propagation, ensuring the highest quality of seedlings for planting projects.
2. Site and Resource Management:
- Supervise the overall operation of the nursery site, ensuring it is well-maintained, clean, and organized.
- Manage the use of nursery equipment, tools, and machinery to ensure efficient operations.
- Oversee irrigation systems to ensure trees receive the right amount of water at different growth stages.
- Maintain stock levels of supplies such as soil, bio – fertilizer, bio – pesticides, and seeds.
3. Staff Supervision:
- Lead and manage nursery workers, providing training and guidance on tree care, propagation, and nursery maintenance.
- Delegate daily tasks to staff and monitor their performance to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols by all staff members while handling tools, equipment, and chemicals.
4. Monitoring and Quality Control:
Regular inspection & crop protection measures
- Apply recommended bio-pesticide & bio-fertilizer that guarantees environmental & safety measures.
- Raise high quality seedlings for planting & distribution.
5. Coordination with Tree Planting Projects:
- Work closely with the forestry team or environmental groups to ensure the timely supply of seedlings for tree planting programs.
- Ensure that the species of trees grown align with local biodiversity and reforestation goals.
- Assist in planning the distribution of seedlings to different sites based on project needs.
6. Record Keeping and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate records of seedling production, growth stages, and health assessments.
- Track inventory levels of seeds, seedlings, and supplies and report on the nursery’s progress regularly.
- Prepare reports on nursery operations, including planting schedules, costs, and outcomes for management review.
7. Sustainability and Environmental Compliance:
- Ensure that nursery operations comply with environmental regulations and sustainability practices.
- Promote eco-friendly and sustainable methods of tree propagation and care to support the conservation of natural resources.
- Work on initiatives that promote biodiversity, soil health, and carbon sequestration through tree planting efforts.
8. Any other duty as assigned by the Supervisor.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The jobholder is required to work normal working hours in an office/ field environment with occasional long working hours and sometimes working over the weekends. At times may be called upon to address emergency situations.
TECHNICAL AND GENERAL COMPETENCIES:
- Proficient in MS Office
- Plant Knowledge: Expertise in plant propagation, species selection & crop protection management practices
Leadership: Ability to supervise and guide a team of workers effectively.
- Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage nursery operations and ensure timely production of seedlings.
- Problem-Solving: Capable of identifying and resolving issues related to plant health, staff performance, or resource shortages.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for reporting and coordinating with tree planting partners.
- Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in record keeping, plant monitoring, and quality control.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
Experience
- Experience in nursery management, tree propagation, or tree planting projects.
- Strong knowledge of tree species, plant propagation techniques, and nursery care practices.
- Familiarity with environmental regulations and sustainability practices in forestry or agriculture.
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills
Job Details
Job Location: Kilifi County, Kenya
1. Takaungu – 1 Position
Remuneration: Competitive Package
Conditions: preferably residents of the above county
If interested, send CV’s to [email protected]
ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT ON OR BEFORE 5th NOVEMBER, 2024, AT 5.00PM EAST AFRICAN TIME.
