Horticultural Supervisor, Native Tree Nursery

Horticultural Supervisor, Native Tree Nursery 植物保育部

Major responsibilities

The post-holder is expected to:

• Carry out propagation of native woody species at scale, both using established protocols and developing new and improved methods where appropriate.
• Focus on maximising production within the capacity of the nursery space, with an eye on the supply of seedlings for off-site projects as needed.
• Assist in maximising species diversity in the NTN through participation in exploratory field work to collect seeds and cuttings of native trees, with a particular focus on rare species as required for KFBG’s ongoing species conservation and ecological restoration programmes.
• Utilise knowledge gained from observing species in the wild to inform appropriate horticultural practices in the nursery.
• Supervise a team of five horticulturalists to help realise the expanding vision for the nursery.
• Select and develop a range of species to grow on to a size suitable for use in the landscaping sector.
• Assist in plant records management, utilising KFBG’s in-house database Iris-BG, ensuring accurate labelling of nursery stock
• Assist in the sustainable management of inventory and procurement of consumables and equipment for the nursery.
• Ensure the highest standards in nursery management, including cleanliness, safety and development of adequate facilities to enable the goals of the facility.
• Document findings towards the compilation of technical manuals on growing native species and restoration practice.
• Handle general administrative duties associated with managing the team and overseeing daily nursery operations, including conducting staff appraisals.

Other responsibilities

• Strive to work in line with KFBG values, in pursuit of the Vision and Mission of the organisation, and to self-assess performance in this regard.
• Help train and supervise volunteers to assist in relevant nursery practices.
• Support the Flora Conservation Department’s outreach work through occasional guided tours of the Native Tree Nursery, facilitation of Corporate Habitat Restoration Scheme sessions, and other occasional public engagement.
• Participate in occasional activities arranged by KFBG to develop the culture of the organisation.

Job Requirements

• Passionate about native plant diversity and its conservation.
• A minimum of 2 years' professional experience in a relevant post in botanically focused horticulture, ideally with a demonstrable track record in people management.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Cantonese.
• Experience in field identification of trees in Hong Kong and the wider South China region is highly desirable.
• Experience in the use of databases for handling and processing plant information, including maps, images, herbarium specimens and biological samples is highly desirable.
• Ideally with a Hong Kong driving license (vehicles classes 1 and/or 2).
• Ability to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Willing to work occasionally on weekends or public holidays, as needed (compensation leave will be provided).
• Diligent, detail-oriented, open-minded and recognizes the validity of all spiritual paths.

Application Method

Interested parties, please send your CV with current / last salary, expected salary and availability to the People & Culture Department, Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden Corporation, Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong or via email at [email protected].