JOB DETAILS:

About this offer

Nursery Specialist

Location: Uganda

Commitment: Full-Time

Travel: Frequent travel to nurseries and field sites across Uganda

Reporting To: Timber Plantation Manager

About the Role

The Nursery Specialist will oversee the establishment, operation, and scaling of high-quality tree nurseries across Uganda. The Manager will provide technical leadership in seed sourcing, propagation, nursery management, and distribution, supporting the successful implementation of companion agroforestry systems designed for carbon sequestration, food security, and community income generation over a 30-year horizon.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, establish, and manage central and satellite nurseries to meet annual production targets.
• Oversee seed collection, testing, germination, and propagation.
• Ensure nursery operations (watering, shading, pest management, transplanting) follow best practices for seedling health.
• Develop and implement species-specific propagation protocols, including grafting and vegetative propagation where applicable.
• Supervise Nursery Technicians and field staff, providing training and mentorship on nursery and propagation techniques.
• Coordinate timely distribution of seedlings to project sites in line with planting schedules.
• Maintain detailed records of seed sources, germination rates, seedling performance, and nursery outputs.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards in nursery operations.
• Collaborate with Agroforestry Technical Lead and Data Assistants to integrate nursery performance data into MRV systems.
• Contribute to community training programs on nursery establishment and seedling care.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Agroforestry, Agriculture, or related field.
• At least 5 years of proven experience managing nurseries and propagation systems for indigenous and agroforestry species.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating large-scale nursery operations.
• Strong knowledge of soil fertility, composting, irrigation, and pest/disease management in nurseries.
• Experience working with rural communities and integrating traditional knowledge in propagation practices.

Competencies

• Technical expertise in seed biology, propagation, and nursery management.
• Leadership and team management skills to supervise multi-site nursery operations.
• Strong organizational and planning skills for meeting seasonal planting targets.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving capacity in addressing nursery challenges.
• Commitment to sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and community development.