Nursery 2IC

About the role

The Nursery Manager 2IC role is a full-time, on-site position based in Kaiwaka, supporting the Nursery Manager in day-to-day operations of a large-scale native plant nursery capable of producing over two million plants annually.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with overseeing plant production processes across propagation, potting, and dispatch areas

• Coordinate nursery staff and support team management

• Monitor plant health and ensure quality control to meet project and customer requirements

• Implement health and safety procedures

• Assist with scheduling, inventory management, and record keeping

• Foster a collaborative, environmentally focused workplace aligned with ecological restoration goals

About you

• Experience and knowledge in nursery operations, including Nursery and Nursery Management skills
• Background in horticulture essential
• Knowledge of New Zealand native plant species
• Formal qualifications in horticulture or nursery management are advantageous
• Strong communication skills for coordinating staff and liaising with internal teams
• Proven ability to lead and support teams, manage schedules, and prioritize tasks in a busy nursery setting
• Solid understanding of health, safety, and environmental best practices within nursery operations
• Competence in basic digital tools for inventory tracking, reporting, and internal communication
• Previous experience in large-scale plant production or ecological restoration projects is highly beneficial

About us

Rural Design is a leading ecological practice based in Kaiwaka, delivering expert consultancy in land restoration, ecology, and landscape planning. The company operates a large-scale on-site native plant nursery and supports full plant supply and landscape implementation. Rural Design specializes in property design and large-scale revegetation projects across rural and urban environments. As a local, family-owned company with a long history, Rural Design is recognized as one of the original pioneers of large-scale ecological restoration and property design.