Job Description

Job Purpose:

To manage and supervise the hardening (acclimatization) phase of tissue-cultured plants, ensuring optimal survival, growth, and quality of plantlets transitioning from sterile lab conditions to natural environments.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Hardening Process Management

Oversee the gradual acclimatization of in vitro plantlets to ex vitro conditions. Ensure environmental parameters such as humidity, light intensity, temperature, and air flow are maintained appropriately. Plan and execute phased exposure of plantlets to external conditions (greenhouse, shade net, open area). Monitor and maintain substrate/media used in primary and secondary hardening (e.g., cocopeat, vermiculite, etc.).

2. Supervision and Labor Management

Lead and supervise the nursery staff assigned to the hardening area. Train workers on proper handling, transplanting, irrigation, and disease/pest monitoring techniques. Ensure daily operations are running smoothly and efficiently.

3. Plant Health and Quality Control

Regularly inspect plantlets for signs of stress, disease, or nutrient deficiency. Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Coordinate with plant pathologists or lab technicians for diagnosis and treatment plans.

4. Inventory and Documentation

Maintain records of plant batches received from the tissue culture lab. Track survival rates, losses, growth stages, and output for each batch. Document daily activities, environmental data, inputs used, and plant performance.

5. Resource Management

Ensure availability and proper usage of inputs like pots, trays, substrates, fertilizers, and irrigation systems. Monitor usage of water and nutrients, and maintain irrigation infrastructure. Coordinate with procurement team for timely replenishment of stock.

6. Facility Maintenance

Maintain cleanliness and order in the hardening facility. Conduct routine maintenance of greenhouse/shade structures and equipment. Ensure adherence to biosafety and hygiene protocols.

7. Coordination and Reporting

Liaise with lab supervisors and field managers for production planning. Prepare weekly/monthly reports on plantlet status, survival rates, and batch progress. Provide feedback to the tissue culture team regarding the quality and performance of plantlets.

Key Skills and Competencies:

Knowledge of plant physiology, tissue culture, and nursery management. Hands-on experience in greenhouse and shade net management. Good understanding of plant disease and pest management. Leadership and team management skills. Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records. Problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Botany, or a related field (Master's preferred). 3-5 years of experience in a nursery or tissue culture hardening environment. Experience with commercial plant propagation or micropropagation preferred.

Working Conditions:

Primarily outdoor/greenhouse-based work with exposure to humidity and variable temperatures. May involve physical tasks like lifting trays, watering, or moving plants.
Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

Day shift
Work Location: In person