JD Propagation are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Senior Propagation Nursery Grower to join our production team. This is a hands-on role suited to a technically skilled grower with a strong background in propagation, crop production, irrigation management, plant nutrition, and plant health. The successful candidate will be responsible for producing high-quality nursery stock, driving propagation success, and contributing to the continuous improvement of our growing systems and production outcomes.

Key responsibilities

- Propagate plants from cuttings, seed, and tissue culture.
- Develop and implement propagation and production schedules to meet business targets.
- Manage irrigation, fertigation, environmental controls, and crop nutrition programs.
- Optimise rooting performance, plant growth, and crop quality outcomes.
- Monitor and adjust EC and pH levels to maintain optimal growing conditions.
- Implement and manage Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.
- Monitor plant health and identify nutrient deficiencies, pests, and diseases.
- Manage growing media performance and production efficiencies.
- Maintain accurate production, crop health, and inventory records.
- Lead, train, and support nursery staff in propagation and growing best practices.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across nursery operations

Required Skills & Experience

- Advanced knowledge of plant propagation techniques and plant physiology.
- Demonstrated experience achieving high strike rates from cuttings and successful seed germination outcomes.
- Solid understanding of production planning and crop scheduling.
- Ability to consistently deliver crops to specification and within forecast production targets.
- Experience with automated irrigation systems, hand irrigation techniques,



fertigation systems, and climate-controlled propagation environments.
- Strong knowledge of EC and pH management, water quality assessment, root zone management, and plant nutrition programs and fertiliser strategies.
- Proven capability in diagnosing nutrient deficiencies and toxicities, identifying and managing fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases, pest scouting and monitoring, biological control programs and IPM strategies, and safe chemical handling and spray program implementation.
- Experience using production forecasting and inventory systems.
- Ability to analyse crop performance data and make informed growing decisions.
- Strong record-keeping and crop traceability skills.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on quality and efficiency.

Performance Expectation

- Cutting strike rates of 90% or higher.
- Seed germination success rates of 85% or higher.
- Saleable crop quality standards exceeding 95%.
- Crop losses due to pests, disease, or cultural issues below 3%.
- Production schedules delivered within planned targets.
- Effective management of irrigation, nutrition, and plant health programs.

Qualifications

- Certificate III, IV, Diploma, or Degree in Horticulture (preferred).
- Minimum 3 to 5 years' experience in commercial nursery propagation or production growing.
- Current Chemical Users Accreditation (desirable).
- Forklift Licence (desirable).
- Proven experience achieving commercial production and quality targets.

What we offer

- Competitive salary package based on experience.
- Opportunity to work with advanced nursery production systems and technologies.
- Career progression within a growing horticultural business.
- Supportive, professional, and team-oriented workplace.

Measured by quality. Driven by performance. Powered by great plants.

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📌 Senior Propagation Nursery Grower (Melbourne)
🏢 JD Propagation
📍 Melbourne