Nursery Manager - Agroforestry Carbon Projects at DGB Group

Description

As a Nursery Manager, you will be at the heart of our restoration efforts—growing the trees that will regenerate landscapes, store carbon, and support farmer livelihoods for generations to come. Your role is to lead the planning, production, and management of our tree nurseries, ensuring high-quality seedlings are available on time, at scale, and with care.

You’ll work closely with agronomists, field officers, and community groups to align seedling production with planting targets, while managing all aspects of nursery operations—from soil mixes and irrigation to staffing and reporting. This is a hands-on, full-cycle role for someone who understands that growing a tree begins long before it touches the ground.

This is a perfect fit for someone who blends technical know-how with patience, precision, and a deep love for plant life.

In this role, you will:

•  Oversee all day-to-day operations of the tree nursery, including seed sourcing, propagation, transplanting, irrigation, weeding, pest management, and hardening
•  Manage nursery staff and seasonal laborers, providing clear work plans and guidance to ensure consistent performance and care
•  Plan and track seedling production in line with project timelines and planting targets—ensuring the right species, right quantities, and right quality
•  Maintain detailed records of germination rates, input use, seedling health, and dispatch logs
•  Coordinate closely with field teams to align seedling production with demand forecasts and planting schedules
•  Ensure environmental best practices in nursery management (e.g. composting, water use efficiency, native species propagation)
•  Innovate and troubleshoot challenges such as disease outbreaks, low germination, or unpredictable weather—proactively seeking solutions

Requirements

You are:

• Practical, grounded, and passionate about growing things the right way
• Methodical and attentive to detail, with high standards for plant health and survival
• A natural team leader who leads by example and motivates others
• Equally comfortable in muddy boots and in a record-keeping notebook
• Committed to delivering seedlings that thrive—not just survive

You bring:

• A certificate, diploma, or demonstrated hands-on experience in nursery management, forestry, horticulture, or a related field
• Proven experience managing a tree nursery, ideally with multiple indigenous and agroforestry species
• Knowledge of soil mixes, seed pretreatment, propagation methods, and integrated pest control
• Strong planning, stock management, and organizational skills
• The ability to manage small teams and seasonal workers with patience and clarity
• Experience working in rural settings and collaborating with farming communities
• Basic record-keeping and reporting skills; ability to use a smartphone for tracking and communication
• Bonus: familiarity with climate-smart agriculture or reforestation programs