Horticultural Supervisor

Horticultural Supervisor

Flora Conservation Department

Job Summary

A competent and experienced horticulturalist is required to take charge of the maintenance, curation, and development of one the most comprehensive conservation-focused collections of tree species native to Hong Kong and the South China region. This role will involve oversight of the care for plants and facilities in the Native Tree Nursery, as well as assisting in care for designated seed orchard areas inside the organisation. The post-holder may also occasionally assist in the development of enhancement planting plots as part of the organisation’s ecological restoration and species conservation programs. In executing these duties, the post-holder will have the support of, and will directly supervise the horticultural team in the daily operation of the Native Tree Nursery

The role requires strong communication skills in planning and supervising the work of the section, and in reporting to the Native Tree Nursery Curator and Restoration ecologist, and in collaborating with the Plant Records Officer on the reporting and recording of important collections data using our in-house records system (Iris-BG). As such, the post-holder will be competent in both written and verbal Cantonese and English.

Major Responsibilities

The postholder will be expected to:

• Assist NTNs Curator & Restoration Ecologist in management duties, including arranging and supervising the daily work for the NTN horticultural staff, overseeing rosters, and reporting attendance and leave records to FLO admin staff.
• Supervise and conduct planting and maintenance works in NTN.
• Supervise and conduct planting and maintenance works in NTN.
• Oversee the preparation of seedlings for experimental tree planting, including recording measurements and appropriate labelling.
• Develop and implement horticultural techniques to germinate, cultivate and propagate native trees and supervise nursery staff and volunteers to produce vigorous and healthy plants suitable for forest restoration projects and urban greening in Hong Kong. This includes investigation and formulation of suitable growing media, choice of suitable containers and fertiliser regimes for healthy root growth and rapid establishment after planting.
• Collaborate with FLO horticultural staff in the selection and provision of tree species suitable to specific locations within the organisation & assist in the selection of species for partner organisations.
• Assist in the organisation of tree planting projects.
• Ensure accurate record keeping and appropriate labelling for field surveys, field collections, nursery stock and planted specimens, understanding how this work relates to the broader scientific and conservation-focused programmes of the Department.
• Collaborate with the Plant Records Officer to fully utilise the Iris BG database, avoiding unnecessary double record keeping.

• Assist in finding suitable locations within the whole of the organisation for the establishment and long-term success (with minimal horticultural intervention) of rare species in the nursery collection.

• Provide training to FLO staff and volunteers in the identification of native species in their care, as well as commonly encountered seedlings and weed species within the Native Tree Nursery.

• Utilize and promote safe working practices within the organisation.
• When necessary, participate in field trips, exploring the Hong Kong countryside to identify, collect and help to understand the growing requirements of candidate native plant species suitable for reforestation, greening, and landscaping in the organisation and urban settings.

Requirements

• At least 2 years experience working with a range of plants, with a good knowledge of horticultural techniques applicable to pot culture.
• Experience in supervision of staff.
• A good knowledge of native trees and shrubs and their cultivation requirements.
• Able to use computer software for record keeping.
• Good command of spoken and written Chinese and English.
• Possession of a valid Class 2 driving license is an advantage.
• Physically fit for outdoor work, including working on slopes.
• High awareness and attention towards work safety.
• Able to work on public holidays when required.