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Nursery Manager

Feilding, New Zealand

Reference: 6904661

Manawatū District Council | Feilding

Grow something that matters.

Are you passionate about native plants, environmental restoration, and leading people? Do you have the vision and practical expertise to manage a thriving nursery operation while helping shape the future of our region's landscapes?

Manawatū District Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Nursery Manager to lead our Plant Nursery operation in Feilding. This is a unique opportunity to combine horticultural expertise, leadership, business development, and environmental stewardship in a role that makes a tangible difference to our communities.

About the role

As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the overall management of Council's Plant Nursery, including staff leadership, nursery operations, plant production, seed sourcing, revegetation projects, customer relationships, and strategic growth of the nursery. You'll lead a dedicated team while ensuring the nursery remains a professional, productive, and sustainable operation that supports Council's environmental and community objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading day-to-day nursery operations, plant production, and stock management
  • Managing staff, contractors, volunteers, and work experience groups
  • Overseeing eco-sourced seed collection, propagation, and revegetation programmes
  • Developing and maintaining strong relationships with customers, iwi, community groups, contractors, and partner organisations
  • Managing budgets, resources, and long-term planning for nursery assets and infrastructure
  • Identifying opportunities to grow nursery services, plant sales, and operational capability
  • Supporting the delivery of environmental restoration and planting projects across the district.

About you

We're looking for someone who combines practical horticultural knowledge with strong leadership and business acumen.

You will bring:

  • A Certificate in Horticulture (or higher qualification)
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experienced with inventory management software.
  • A current Growsafe Certificate
  • Significant experience in nursery production, propagation, plant husbandry, seed collection, and revegetation work
  • Proven experience leading, mentoring, and developing staff
  • Financial planning and budget management experience
  • A current driver's licence
  • Strong relationship management and communication skills
  • A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to think strategically.

Experience within local government and project delivery would be advantageous.

Why join us?

At Manawatū District Council, we're committed to creating a connected, vibrant, and thriving district. This role offers the opportunity to:

  • Lead a well-established native plant nursery operation
  • Make a lasting environmental impact through restoration and biodiversity initiatives
  • Work with a passionate and supportive team
  • Build meaningful relationships across the community and wider sector
  • Contribute to projects that benefit future generations.

The salary range for the role is $76,000 to $90k with five weeks' annual leave.

Apply now

If you're ready to combine your horticultural expertise, leadership skills, and passion for environmental outcomes in a rewarding management role, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information and to apply, visit https://mdccareers.co.nz/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6904661.

Applications Close: 05 Jul 2026

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What happens next?

We will send you an email confirming we have received your application.  Once the recruitment closes, our interview panel will then review all the applications.  If you are successful in being short-listed for an interview then a member of our friendly People and Culture team will contact you with your interview details including if there is any practical exercise involved with your interview.  If your application is not successful in getting an interview then you will receive an email from us advising you of this.

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