Growing Out, Packing and Dispatch Supervisor

Growing out, Packing and Dispatch Supervisor, Spekboom Restoration Project

Nursery Department, Eastern Cape (Gqeberha), South Africa

Location: Jansenville, Eastern Cape 

Reports to: Nursery Operations Manager

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will revitalise landscapes, combat climate change, and promote sustainable agriculture? Join NatCarbon Africa: a mission-driven, proudly African organisation dedicated to high-quality implementation of large-scale carbon, climate, and biodiversity projects. We embrace the power of innovative technology to enhance project execution. Community engagement lies at the heart of our projects, driven by a genuine commitment to meaningful and inclusive participation and co-benefits, such as biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic upliftment. 

NatCarbon Africa seeks a Growing out, Packing and Dispatch Supervisor in the Nursery Department for the large-scale Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.

With our partner, Imperative Global, our aim is to restore up to 100,000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket biome. The Project entails planting Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) on privately owned land to improve ecosystem functioning and agricultural productivity over time, promote biodiversity, improve soil filtration, enhance water storage capabilities, and to reduce soil erosion. The Project is estimated to permanently store large quantities of Carbon Dioxide over the Project life, thus positively contributing towards climate change mitigation.

Position Summary: 

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.

Roles and Responsibilities: 

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.

Other:

• Perform administrative duties as needed to support nursery operations.


• Attend meetings, training sessions, and workshops as required.


• Ensure all Botterblom Nursery policies and procedures are implemented.


• Oversee and track the receiving and dispatch of nursery goods (cuttings, trays, crates and ellepots).


• Make recommendations to the Nursery Operations Manager based on observations of plant quality, dispatch processes, and traceability data.

General: 

• Embrace a culture of continuous learning by adapting to evolving job responsibilities, driven by NatCarbon Africa’s commitment to innovation, personal growth, and shifting operational priorities 


• Some travel within the Eastern and Western Cape may be required, including to remote locations, with occasional weekend or holiday work to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.

• This outline of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. The employer reserves the right to assign additional duties or responsibilities at any time, provided they are reasonably aligned with the scope of the role or necessitated by operational requirements. The functions and responsibilities detailed within this job description may be subject to modification at the employer’s discretion, based on evolving operational requirements, while remaining consistent with the parameters of the employee’s position 

Skills: 

• Strong leadership and team management skills

• Strong attention to detail for conducting PQI assessments and verifying plant quality and packing accuracy.


• Physical ability to perform plant assessments and handle dispatching duties in a nursery environment.


• Willingness to work irregular hours as needed.


• Excellent communication skills for coordinating with planting teams, nursery staff, and SMMEs.

• Computer literacy (MS Office package, Stock systems, etc.)

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address quality and traceability challenges.


• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.


• Good organisational and planning skills to align dispatch with planting schedules.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Proficiency in using digital systems like MyCrops for traceability and inventory management.


• Basic knowledge of plant quality assessment and nursery operations.

• Organised and detail-oriented


• Fluent in English (Afrikaans or isiXhosa an advantage)

Qualifications: 

• Diploma or degree in horticulture, agriculture, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in plant production, quality control, plant assessment, or inventory management within nursery, agricultural, or environmental projects.


• Demonstrated proficiency in conducting plant quality assessments and managing dispatch processes.

• Working knowledge of pest/disease management, irrigation systems, and plant nutrition.

• Valid driver’s license.


• Knowledge of plant propagation and quality standards, particularly for Spekboom or similar succulents.


• Experience with traceability systems such as MyCrops or similar platforms for tracking plant batches and catchment areas.

• Experience with indigenous plant species or spekboom propagation is an advantage.

• Proficiency in MS Office and digital systems for data capture and reporting.


• Knowledge of nursery equipment, tools, and plant handling processes.


• Familiarity with the vegetation and ecological conditions of the Eastern Cape, including catchment area dynamics.

Working Conditions:

• Frequent travel within the Eastern and Western Cape anticipated, including to remote locations. Travel may on occasion cross weekends and holidays to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular

You will join a great team! We are:

• From diverse locations and backgrounds, but all experts in our respective fields. We bring together a wide range of cross-sector experiences, ideas, and skills


• Relentless in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, always pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. But it is not all work for us – we also believe in celebrating our successes, recognising individual contributions, and taking time to support each other’s growth and development


• At our core, explorers, constantly learning, evolving, and seeking new ways to deliver impactful solutions. We are not afraid to dream big, take risks, and step out of our comfort zones because we know that together, we can achieve great things

Compensation:

To help us attract and retain top talent, NatCarbon Africa pays employees competitively to the market, depending on experience. Salary is one component of NatCarbon Africa’s total compensation package which also includes health care and life insurance, contributions to each employee’s retirement plan, paid time off and funds to support professional development. We will recognise employees who go beyond expected performance with salary increases and/or promotions.

In return, we expect each employee to, at a minimum:

• Meet expectations in terms of work effort and performance.


• Take the initiative to build the skills and knowledge needed to do their job effectively; and


• Embody the values of NatCarbon Africa.

How to Apply:

To apply, please send us the following:

• Cover letter (not to exceed one page).


• Resume/CV (not to exceed three pages).

Please add app.bamboohr.com to your contact list to ensure you receive emails from us

NatCarbon Africa provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination.

Only applications received online via the NatCarbon website or LinkedIn Page will be considered