Forest Technician (Nursery)

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the general supervision and the technical guidance and monitoring by the Nursery Co ordinator, the incumbent is responsible for the general operations of the Central Seed Germination Facility (CSGF) which includes the provision of quality seedlings and other services to facilitate the management and development of the forest reserves. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS:

Administrative Responsibilities 

• Provides inputs for the operational plans, budget, and the setting of priorities for the unit.
• Design work plan ensuring that labourers/contractors are effectively utilized.
• Supervises the work of casual labourers/contractors and ensures that duties are performed efficiently and effectively. 
• Prepares and submits progress reports by an agreed work plan. 
• Participates in inter-divisional related activities to achieve the Agency’s objectives.
• Assists in the implementation of approved external requests. 
• Participates in public awareness and public education activities. 
• Prepares and submits to the Nursery Co-ordinator progress reports by an agreed work plan.
• Schedules delivery and proper transportation of seedlings from CSGF to output nurseries. 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Provides technical oversight for the sowing of timber/ ornamental tree seeds which includes but is not limited to: 
  • Supervising the preparation of germination/potting medium 
  • Filling cell trays with germination medium 
  • Sowing and watering of seeds 
  • Transplanting seedlings from community to cell trays 
  • Grading 
  • Moving cell trays from 50% to 70% light 
• Responsible for the initial growth and development of seedlings in the CSGF
• Manages the fertigation system at the CSGF and provides technical guidance and oversight for the outpost nurseries. 
• Assists with the implementation of and collection of research data. 
• Provides technical guidance and support to clients. 
• Liaises with nursery personnel and the Private Forestry Programme Coordinator in the provision of seedlings/ planting material to support the Private Planting Programme
• Participates in the dissemination of technical information and documentation to client groups and stakeholders within the forest region. 
• Participates in the implementation of public relations and public education activities within the forest region to sensitize and educate client groups and stakeholders on nursery operations and programs- 
• Any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Germination/potting medium prepared in a timely manner 
• Seeds sowed and germinated seedlings watered as per the required standard.
• Information is provided promptly. 
• Reports are submitted within the required timeframe. 
• Required quotas are supplied to outpost nurseries in a timely manner. 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate Degree/Diploma in Forestry/Agriculture/Natural Sciences/Environmental Management or related area 
• Certificate, Supervisory Management 
• Minimum of 2 years field experience 

OR 

• Any other acceptable combination of academic qualifications and related experience

We thank all persons who express an interest; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.