Key Responsibilities:
Plant Breeding Department Tasks:
- Daily watering and irrigation setup to ensure plant health and vitality.
- Undertake general cultural tasks such as potting, trimming, weeding, propagation, and pest & disease monitoring.
- Maintain the tidiness of the breeding area, ensuring timely disposal of waste and proper storage of materials.
- Monitor plant growth, including flower colour, size, and other relevant characteristics to assist with evaluation.
- Assist with more specialist tasks like seed collection and cataloguing, under the guidance of the Plant Breeder.
General Nursery Tasks:
- Potting: Machine potting, planting, setting plants down, supplying machines with pots and plants, as well as hand potting of young plants.
- Plant Care: Trimming, weeding, caning, tying, and watering plants using a hose and lance.
- Propagation: Preparing trays and cuttings for propagation.
- Nursery Hygiene: Disposal of dead or diseased plants and cleaning growing areas.
- Despatch Work: Selecting, traying up, preparing plants for dispatch, labelling, packing, and assembling trolleys.
- Flexible to undertake a range of general nursery duties during busy periods or when the breeding department workload is lighter.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Practical commercial horticultural knowledge and experience are required.
- Botanical knowledge/qualification with an understanding of plant genetics is desirable.
- Experience in plant breeding or related areas would be an advantage.
- Proven ability in detailed data recording and accurate, methodical work.
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and good numeracy/literacy skills.
- Motivated and reliable with a “completer-finisher” attitude.
- Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work independently when required.
- Good communication skills and the ability to follow instructions.
Key Attributes:
- Logical, organised, and precise.
- Open-minded and eager to learn.
- Flexible and adaptable with a positive, can-do attitude.
- A commitment to Health & Safety and adhering to risk assessments.
Why Join Walberton Nursery?
- Opportunity to work in an innovative and dynamic environment.
- Gain hands‑on experience with a globally recognised plant breeding program.
- Work alongside a dedicated team of horticultural professionals.
- Enjoy a variety of tasks that will develop your skills and knowledge in plant breeding and nursery operations.
- Relocation support available.
Full time, permanent position, with minimum working hours on Walberton’s Annualised Hours system, as follows:
November to February 32.5 hours per week
- Monday to Friday 08:00 – 15:45
March to July 44 hours per week
- Monday to Thursday 07:30 – 17:15
- Friday 07:30 – 16:15
August to October 39 hours per week
- Monday to Thursday 08:00 – 16:45
- Friday 08:00 – 15:45
Salary £26,300 – £28,800 per year depending on skills and experience; 268.25 hours annual leave per year pro rata inc. Bank Holidays.
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Plant Breeding Technician/Nursery Worker Walberton Nursery Ltd employer: Tristram Plants
Tristram Plants is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque West Sussex, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters teamwork and innovation. As a Lead Plant Propagation Site Supervisor, you will not only have the chance to lead and train a dedicated team but also enjoy numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth within a thriving horticulture business. With a competitive benefits package and a commitment to safe practices, Tristram Plants ensures that every employee feels valued and empowered in their role.
