Quality Controller - Propagation

Quality Controller - Propagation, Spekboom Restoration Project

Nursery Department, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Location: Jansenville, Eastern Cape  

Reports to: Propagation Supervisor

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will revitalise landscapes, combat climate change, and promote sustainable agriculture? Join NatCarbon Africa: a mission-driven, proudly African organisation dedicated to high-quality implementation of large-scale carbon, climate, and biodiversity projects. We embrace the power of innovative technology to enhance project execution. Community engagement lies at the heart of our projects, driven by a genuine commitment to meaningful and inclusive participation and co-benefits, such as biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic upliftment. 

NatCarbon Africa seeks a Quality Controller - Propagation in the Nursery Department for the large-scale Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.

With our partner, Imperative Global, our aim is to restore up to 100,000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket biome. The Project entails planting Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) on privately owned land to improve ecosystem functioning and agricultural productivity over time, promote biodiversity, improve soil filtration, enhance water storage capabilities, and to reduce soil erosion. The Project is estimated to permanently store large quantities of Carbon Dioxide over the Project life, thus positively contributing towards climate change mitigation.

Position Summary: 

Reporting to the Propagation Supervisor, the Quality Controller will play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality of Spekboom cuttings received and used in plant propagation at the Botterblom Nursery. This position is responsible for verifying that cuttings meet specifications, ensuring correct placement in Ellepots, maintaining traceability through the MyCrops system, and monitoring for pathogens. The Quality Controller will also enforce the use of Agrigistics by SMMEs (contractors), provide continuous training to nursery staff, and maintain accurate records of production activities. We are seeking candidates with relevant experience in quality control within nursery, agricultural, or environmental sectors, with specific expertise in plant propagation and contractor coordination.

Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Inspect incoming Spekboom cuttings to ensure they meet quality specifications and standards.
• Verify correct placement of cuttings in Ellepots to ensure optimal propagation outcomes.
• Utilize the MyCrops system to maintain accurate traceability of cuttings and propagation activities.
• Monitor for signs of pathogens or diseases in cuttings and report findings promptly to the Propagation Supervisor and Head of Horticulture.
• Provide continuous training to nursery staff and SMMEs on quality standards, propagation techniques, and system usage.
• Enforce the use of Agrigistics by SMMEs for streamlined data capture and production tracking.
• Maintain detailed records of production activities, including cutting inspections, propagation outputs, and quality assurance checks.
• Identify and address quality issues promptly, issuing non-conformance notices when necessary.
• Report any challenges, including pathogen risks or non-compliance, to the Propagation Supervisor.
• Conduct regular quality assurance checks to ensure adherence to nursery protocols and standards.
• Assist with risk assessments related to plant health and nursery operations.
• Ensure all health, safety, and environmental requirements are adhered to by nursery staff and SMMEs.
• Perform daily checks on equipment, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) used in the nursery.
• Assist the Nursery Manager with stakeholder relations, including SMMEs and suppliers, ensuring compliance with nursery requirements.
• Complete all relevant documentation, including log sheets, production reports, and quality control forms, accurately and timeously.
• Compile and submit daily and monthly reports as required.
• Assist with the management and maintenance of nursery assets and equipment.
• Undertake meticulous data capture for production and quality metrics.
• Perform administrative duties as needed to support nursery operations.
• Attend meetings, training sessions, and workshops as required.
• Ensure all Botterblom Nursery policies and procedures are implemented.
• Make recommendations to the Propagation Supervisor based on observations and quality control findings.

General: 

• Embrace a culture of continuous learning by adapting to evolving job responsibilities, driven by NatCarbon Africa’s commitment to innovation, personal growth, and shifting operational priorities 
• Some travel within the Eastern and Western Cape may be required, including to remote locations, with occasional weekend or holiday work to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.

• This outline of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. The employer reserves the right to assign additional duties or responsibilities at any time, provided they are reasonably aligned with the scope of the role or necessitated by operational requirements. The functions and responsibilities detailed within this job description may be subject to modification at the employer’s discretion, based on evolving operational requirements, while remaining consistent with the parameters of the employee’s position 

Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify quality issues in plant materials.
• Physical ability to perform quality control duties in a nursery environment.
• Willingness to work irregular hours as needed.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for training and coordinating with SMMEs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address quality and pathogen-related challenges.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Good organisational and project planning skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in using digital systems like MyCrops and Agrigistics for traceability and data management.
• Basic knowledge of plant pathology and propagation techniques.

Qualifications:

• Tertiary degree or diploma in Horticulture, Agriculture, Conservation or Plant Science is advantageous.

Knowledge and Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience in quality control within nursery, agricultural, or environmental projects, with specific expertise in plant propagation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in working with contractors or SMMEs to ensure project success.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of plant propagation techniques, particularly with Spekboom or similar succulents.
• Experience in monitoring for plant pathogens and implementing biosecurity measures.
• Proficiency in MS Office and digital systems for data capture and reporting.
• Knowledge of nursery equipment, tools, and machinery operation.
• Experience with traceability systems such as MyCrops or similar platforms is advantageous.
• Knowledge of the vegetation and ecological conditions of the Eastern Cape.
• No criminal record.
• A PDP with a Code EC (Code 10) driver’s license and/or 4x4 driving experience is advantageous.

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel within the Eastern and Western Cape anticipated, including to remote locations. Travel may on occasion cross weekends and holidays to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular
• You will join a great team! We are:
• From diverse locations and backgrounds, but all experts in our respective fields. We bring together a wide range of cross-sector experiences, ideas, and skills
• Relentless in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, always pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. But it is not all work for us – we also believe in celebrating our successes, recognising individual contributions, and taking time to support each other’s growth and development
• At our core, explorers, constantly learning, evolving, and seeking new ways to deliver impactful solutions. We are not afraid to dream big, take risks, and step out of our comfort zones because we know that together, we can achieve great things

Compensation

To help us attract and retain top talent, NatCarbon Africa pays employees competitively to the market, depending on experience. Salary is one component of NatCarbon Africa’s total compensation package which also includes health care and life insurance, contributions to each employee’s retirement plan, paid time off and funds to support professional development. We will recognise employees who go beyond expected performance with salary increases and/or promotions.

In return, we expect each employee to, at a minimum:

• Meet expectations in terms of work effort and performance.
• Take the initiative to build the skills and knowledge needed to do their job effectively; and
• Embody the values of NatCarbon Africa.

How to Apply

To apply, please send us the following:

• Cover letter (not to exceed one page).
• Resume/CV (not to exceed three pages).

Please add app.bamboohr.com to your contact list to ensure you receive emails from us

NatCarbon Africa provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination.

Only applications received online via the NatCarbon website or LinkedIn Page will be considered