Production Supervisor - Forest Nursery Operations (Agricultural Technician 3)

The Government of Nova Scotia•Glenmore, NS

8d•CA$57,671 - CA$67,636•Hybrid

About The Position

The Production Supervisor – Forest Nursery Operations is responsible for coordinating and leading nursery production and growing operations at a provincial forest nursery. Reporting to the Manager of Nursery Operations and Service Delivery, the Production Supervisor – Forest Nursery Operations provides specialized technical leadership and operational direction for tree seedling production activities and is accountable for crop quality, growing practices, and production outcomes, in accordance with established nursery objectives and standards.

Requirements

Completed a technician diploma from a recognized agricultural or related institution.
4 years of related experience in greenhouse, nursery, horticultural, agricultural, forestry, or other plant production systems.
Strong team player and collaboration skills.
Effective decision-making skills related to nursery growing methods, irrigation, fertilization and crop management practices, adjustments to production schedules in response to weather or operational constraints, etc.
Strong organizational skills to develop and manage new projects at the Nursery.
Strong attention to detail is critical in this position. Will require strong visual skills for recognizing subtle changes in plant color, texture and appearance.
Demonstrated knowledge of greenhouse and nursery crop production practices, including seedling propagation, irrigation management, fertilization programs, integrated pest management, and environmental control systems.
Experience coordinating operational work plans and leading staff in a production, agricultural, horticultural, greenhouse, nursery, forestry, or related operational environment.
Proven ability to monitor crop performance, identify production issues, and implement corrective actions to maintain quality standards and production schedules.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate staff, communicate expectations clearly, and foster a safe and respectful workplace.
Experience maintaining accurate production, inventory, and operational records and preparing reports to support planning and decision-making.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing operational demands and respond effectively to changing environmental, weather, and production conditions.
Sound understanding of workplace health and safety requirements and experience promoting safe work practices in an operational setting.
Proficiency with computer applications and digital systems used for operational planning, inventory management, data collection, and reporting.
Ability to work collaboratively with production, maintenance, and management staff to achieve operational objectives.
Commitment to continuous improvement and the application of innovative growing practices, technologies, and production methods.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of forest seedling production and quality assessment standards.
Experience operating or managing greenhouse environmental control systems, irrigation systems, fertigation systems, or climate control technologies.
Experience with crop planning, production forecasting, and inventory management.
Experience implementing quality assurance or continuous improvement initiatives in a production environment.
Experience with nursery automation systems, mechanized production equipment, or modern propagation technologies.
Certification or training related to pesticide application, integrated pest management, occupational health and safety, or greenhouse production.
Experience supporting operational change initiatives, process improvement projects, or production system modernization.
Experience supervising unionized employees.

Responsibilities

Coordinates and leads daily nursery production and greenhouse activities, including seeding, thinning, transplanting, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, grading, storage, and shipping of seedlings, as well as maintaining and managing inventory.
Provides specialized technical leadership and supervision to the nursery growing staff by ensuring appropriate staff coverage and directing their day-to-day work to ensure tasks are completed in accordance with established growing plans, schedules, and quality standards.
Implements and adjusts growing plans, crop schedules, and production methods to meet seedling quality, quantity, and delivery targets.
Observes production activities and results to identify risks to crop quality or timelines and implement corrective actions within established authority.
Coordinates with the Maintenance Foreperson to ensure facilities, equipment, and climate control systems support production requirements, and communicate production-related system needs.
Contributes to the continuous improvement of nursery growing practices, production efficiency, and quality control processes.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Health
Dental
Life Insurance
General illness
Short and Long Term Disability
Vacation
Employee and Family Assistance Programs
Career development and access to ongoing training and professional growth opportunities.
An engaging and supportive workplace where employees feel valued and respected.
A wide range of career paths across the Government of Nova Scotia.