Plant Propagation Supervisor

Maritime Innovation Limited is seeking a Plant Propagation Supervisor to lead daily production activities within our plant propagation facility, with a primary operational focus on conifer somatic embryogenesis (SE). This is a hands-on supervisory role responsible for delivering consistent, high-volume production of elite conifer plant material while meeting quality, scheduling, and safety targets.

The Plant Propagation Supervisor provides direct leadership to technical staff involved in somatic embryo production, microcutting production, and controlled-environment growing systems. The role coordinates production schedules, manages supplies and equipment, and works closely with nursery and operations leadership to ensure reliable transfer of high-quality plant material to downstream production and deployment. While the position supports continuous process improvement, it is primarily operational and execution-driven, focused on stable, repeatable production rather than experimental research.

Responsibilities

1. Production & Facility Operations

• Supervise daily plant propagation activities, including tissue culture, acclimatization, and controlled-environment growing systems
• Execute production schedules to meet output, quality, and delivery targets
• Monitor workflow, optimize labor deployment, and remove bottlenecks in production processes
• Ensure propagation protocols and SOPs are followed consistently
• Oversee routine equipment operation, maintenance, and coordination of repairs

2. Team Leadership & Supervision

• Directly supervise, coach, and support production staff and technicians
• Hold team members accountable for performance, attendance, and adherence to procedures
• Foster a positive, respectful, and results-driven work environment

3. Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with internal quality standards and regulatory requirements
• Maintain clean, organized, and controlled production areas
• Enforce health, safety, and environmental procedures at all times
• Participate in inspections, audits, and corrective actions as required
• Respond promptly to incidents or production deviations

4. Inventory, Planning & Cost Control

• Monitor inventory of consumables, growth media, inputs, and supplies
• Coordinate purchasing and ensure uninterrupted production support
• Track material usage and help manage operating costs
• Support budgeting and forecasting related to production activities

5. Reporting & Communication

• Track and report key production metrics (output, losses, efficiency, labor utilization)
• Communicate production status, risks, and improvement opportunities to management
• Coordinate closely with nursery operations and internal partners to align production needs

6. Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and throughput
• Support implementation of process improvements and operational upgrades
• Contribute practical input to production planning and facility development

Qualifications

Education

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in plant science, biology, agriculture, or a related field
• Equivalent technical training and experience will be considered

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in plant tissue culture, plant propagation, greenhouse, nursery, or similar production environments
• Prior supervisory or team-lead experience strongly preferred
• Experience with plant tissue culture, especially conifer somatic embryogenesis, or controlled-environment propagation is an asset

Skills & Attributes

• Strong people leadership with a practical, hands-on approach
• Proven ability to operate in a production-focused, deadline-driven environment
• Solid understanding of plant tissue culture propagation and plant physiology fundamentals
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with automated or semi-automated systems
• Strong organization, planning, and problem-solving skills
• Comfortable using standard computer applications (MS Office) and production tracking systems

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees.  At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

At Irving Woodlands, we take pride in our role as stewards of the land. Focused on rigorous and sustainable land management, Irving Woodlands is guided by an 80-year management plan that preserves the environmental and ecological integrity of our land, air, water and wildlife. 

Irving Woodlands maintains an engaged team of over 1,600 employees, contractors, seasonal workers and students who are dedicated to research, conservation and continuously improving our forest management practices and long-term business results. Our multi-faceted team trains, develops and builds long-term, rewarding careers in all aspects of forestry, from tree nurseries and tree improvement to research and environmental management. Our forestry professionals, supported by our logistics and professional services group, are world-class and implement leading strategies in these areas: silviculture, planting, harvesting, trucking and logistics, operational and road construction, maintenance, technology, forest patrol and research. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to work across any of our safety first, cutting-edge technology operations and land holdings located in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Maine.