Growing Out, Packing and Dispatch Supervisor

Nursery - Jansenville, Eastern Cape

Reporting to the Nursery Operations Manager, the Growing out, Packing and Dispatch Supervisor will be responsible for growing out of spekboom plants, overseeing Plant Quality Index (PQI) assessments to determine which plants in the Botterblom Nursery are ready for dispatch to the field for planting. This role involves ensuring that plants selected for dispatch match the PQI batch specifications, meet quality standards, and are correctly packed for transport. Oversee the packing and dispatching of quality plants, and oversee the receiving of deliveries, cuttings, ellepots, trays and crates according to the project schedules. We are seeking candidates with experience in quality control, plant assessment, and inventory management within nursery, agricultural, or environmental sectors.

Growing out and Plant Care:

• Ensure the benches in the Shadehouse are ready to receive plants from the Greenhouses
• Oversee the placing of plants in the Shadehouse.
• Monitor plant health and report any observations to the Horticultural Specialist.
• Monitor and schedule fertigation, and irrigation programs and collaboration with the Horticultural Specialist.
• Oversee the movement of plants in the Shadehouse and ensure timeous capturing of info on MyCrops.

Planning & Scheduling:

• Plan and ensure benches are ready to receive plants from Greenhouses.
• Coordinate movement of plants from Greenhouses to Shadehouse with the Propagation Supervisor.
• Oversee and schedule Plant Quality Index (PQI) assessments on plant batches in the Shadehouse to determine readiness for dispatch to the field.
• Digitally capture PQI assessments and update MyCrops.
• Ensure sufficient quality plants are packed to meet the planting teams' schedules and requirements.

Quality Control:

• Ensure plants selected for dispatch match the PQI batch specifications and meet quality standards for planting.
• Verify that plants packed for dispatch are the correct ones based on PQI assessments and catchment area requirements.
• Ensure the MyCrops system is maintained to accurately capture traceability of dispatched plants, ensuring plants from specific catchment areas are sent to the corresponding farms.
• Record the quantity of plants dispatched, including batch details and quality metrics, in the nursery's inventory management system.
• Inspect packed plants to confirm they meet quality specifications and are properly prepared for transport.
• General cleaning and keeping Shadehouse tidy, removal of empty crates and disposal of waste materials.
• Report any challenges, such as quality discrepancies or traceability issues, to the Nursery Operations Manager.
• Identify and address any quality issues in plant batches or packing processes, issuing non-conformance notices when necessary.
• Collaborate with the Nursery Operations Manager to align dispatch schedules with planting schedules, ensuring timely delivery of quality plants.
• Conduct regular quality assurance checks on plants ready for dispatch to ensure consistency with nursery standards.
• Assist with risk assessments related to plant quality and dispatch processes.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental requirements during plant assessment and packing processes.

Staff Supervision & Training:

• Lead, train, and supervise nursery staff and seasonal workers.
• Monitor performance and ensure adherence to safety and work protocols.

Inventory & Recordkeeping:

• Maintain accurate records of plant batches, survival rates, losses, and outputs.
• Manage inventory of tools, supplies, and plant material.
• Perform daily checks on equipment, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) used in the dispatch area.
• Maintain meticulous data capture for all PQI assessments, dispatch quantities, and traceability metrics.
• Complete all relevant documentation, including PQI assessment forms, dispatch records, and quality control forms, accurately and timeously.
• Compile and submit daily and monthly reports on PQI assessments, dispatch activities, and traceability as required.
• Assist with the management and maintenance of nursery assets and equipment related to plant assessment and dispatching.
• Compile and submit reports as needed.