Apace acknowledges and respects the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation, and pays our respect to the elders, past, present and emerging.

The Organisation

Apace WA is a community organisation with a vision for a greener planet and connected world. Our purpose is to advance environmental sustainability & amplify social cohesion. The 2024-2030 Strategic Plan is exemplified by innovation, diversification, and growth.

Incorporated in 1985, we began as a small group of local residents in North Fremantle, and researchers concerned about local engagement, the environment, and appropriate technology. Four decades later, we have become a renowned and respected non-government organisation.

We:

• Specialise in native plant propagation & seed management of the Swan Coastal Plain & Darling Scarp.
• Deliver environmental services to accelerate revegetation, restore biodiversity & preserve native plants.
• Generate environmental education and training programs and cultural exchange events.
• Provide workplace opportunities for people with differing backgrounds, life experiences or abilities so people feel connected, respected and valued.
• Promote social cohesion as the collective bond and unity between individuals and communities to catalyse trust and a sense of belonging.
• Provide community gardening opportunities for local residents.
• Strengthen advocacy and action for the protection of planet, plants and people.

Position background

The purpose of your role is to manage the Apace nursery as a professional and profitable wholesale and retail facility. You will lead a team of technicians and volunteers, who work collaboratively across all functions of the organisation.  You will actively engage with staff, volunteers, community and clients to promote the inspiration of Apace and ensure we meet our strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Human Resource Management and Supervision

• Provide guidance, hands-on training and quality work experience to staff and volunteers in propagation of seeds and/or cuttings, production schedules such as fertilisation, pest and disease regimes, transplanting and other general plant propagation tasks.
• Ensure the wellbeing of staff & volunteers in line with the Apace WHS&W Handbook and supporting policies.
• Induct staff & volunteers joining the Nursery team.
• Supervise contractors and other workers on site for maintenance, repairs and/or deliveries.
• Oversee Work Health, Safety and Wellbeing conditions and risks at all locations where nursery operations take place, including volunteer activities.
• Demonstrate and understanding of policy, industry codes and legislation relating to nursery management in WA.
• Assist in the preparing budgets, reports or presentations for the Board and General Manager as requested.

2. Nursery Management

• Maintain a well-managed wholesale and retail nursery business including its financial viability.
• Develop the nursery’s annual Propagation Plan in accordance with the Apace Strategic & Operational Plans.
• Ensure plants are produced according to best practice, in line with the Nursery & Garden Industry Western Australia (NGIWA) guidelines, to ensure our certification status is upheld.
• Ensure accurate record management of nursery inventory and manage stocktaking.
• Keep full and accurate records of all propagation.
• Coordinate the Annual Plant Subsidy Scheme in collaboration with the Apace Sales Manager & Admin team.
• Plan and oversee reticulation schedules and watering regimes, ensuring that watering is managed wisely.
• Maintain a schedule of seasonal and annual nursery tasks and related procedures.
• Maintain efficient plant order and delivery systems in collaboration with other Managers and Admin team.
• Logistical management of plant dispatch and collections.
• Convene regular planning meetings for the efficient operations of the nursery and grounds.

3. Quality and Stock Control

• Maintain electronic records and systems for the efficient operations of the nursery.
• Manage the sorting, grading, and restocking or condensing of stock around the nursery.
• Generate an annual planting schedule and regimes for fertilising, soil amendments and specific treatments.
• Ensure a high level of NGIWA nursery practice standards to ensure optimum plant growth and health.
• Oversee and review the cultivation and the wellbeing of plants grown at the nursery including cuttings, cells, divisions and tube stock.
• Develop and implement pest control and nursery hygiene regimes in accordance with NGIWA Guidelines.
• Ensure security of the nursery compound and stock.
• Ensure all tools and equipment are maintained and secure.
• Ensure that the nursery buildings and grounds are maintained at a high level of presentation and cleanliness.
• Monitor and ensure plants meet all contractual requirements, are in good condition and free of pests/diseases/weeds when leaving the nursery.

4. Public Relations and Promotion

• Engage with businesses and community to promote the nursery and our organisation.
• Giving considered advice to customers about the plants including information on plant diseases and other areas of plant care.
• Respond to enquiries and provide technical, specialised advice to clients, general public, staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate appropriate access to the nursery for visits from community groups and stakeholders.
• Provide articles about the nursery for social media and other promotional and marketing activities as requested.
• Support the delivery of training activities and events undertaken with members, volunteers and community.

5. Participation in Apace Sustainability

• Demonstrate willing participation and interest in the organisation and its strategic goals.
• Monitor Nursery Industry Accreditation Standards and bring attention to variation or new practice.
• Research and adopt best practice propagation and nursery practice methodologies.
• Generate regular risk monitoring reports for the General Manager in line with risk management policies.
• Participate in coordination & staff meetings, planning sessions and evaluations.
• Communicate and implement Apace policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate Apace values in action.

Competencies and Skills

• Qualifications in Horticulture or Conservation and Ecosystem Management, or relevant equivalency.
• In depth knowledge of the nursery and revegetation industry.
• Knowledge of the flora of Western Australia, in particular the Swan Coastal Plain and Darling Range.
• Ability to make technical decisions on plant nutrition, pest and disease control programs and chemical application.
• Experience in production forecasting to expected sales and production schedules.
• Understanding of predicted climate change impacts on revegetation activities in WA.
• Experience in leading teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with staff, customers, visitors, and volunteers.
• Analytical mind with problem solving skills.
• Ability to work as an effective team member and work unsupervised.
• Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and Xero.
• Skill and confidence working with custom databases.
• Manual driver’s licence.
• Pest Management Technician licence (or hold basic units of qualification required to obtain the licence).
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Working with children clearance.
• Police clearance.