Central Tree Nursery Coordinator

Job Details

• Location: Kampala, Uganda
• Duty Station: Kampala
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Industry: Nonprofit / NGO
• Salary: Not Disclosed
• Application Deadline: 2026-08-17
• Reporting To: Training Coordinator

The Central Tree Nursery (CTN) Coordinator is responsible for leading the establishment, management, and continuous improvement of Central Tree Nursery operations within the assigned region. Working closely with the Training Coordinator, the CTN Coordinator provides strategic and technical leadership to ensure the efficient production, quality assurance, inventory management, and timely distribution of high-quality tree seedlings in accordance with TREES' technical standards, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and operational plans. The role strengthens nursery systems through effective planning, resource management, innovation, quality control, and continuous learning to ensure the reliable supply of quality planting materials that support TREES' program objectives and farmer adoption of agroforestry practices.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment, operational management, and performance of Central Tree Nurseries (CTNs) within the assigned region, ensuring achievement of production, quality, and efficiency targets.
• Provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for all nursery operations to drive seedling production, quality assurance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Supervise, coach, mentor, and manage the performance and development of CTN staff, including Nursery Attendants, Grafting Technicians, and casual workers, while supporting recruitment and onboarding in collaboration with the People & Culture team.
• Develop regional nursery production strategies, annual work plans, and operational schedules aligned with organizational priorities and seasonal planting calendars.
• Oversee the propagation, grafting, production, inventory management, and timely distribution of high-quality fruit and agroforestry seedlings, while monitoring field performance to improve production and survival outcomes.
• Develop and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical guidelines, training materials, and quality assurance systems to promote standardized nursery operations and best practices.
• Strengthen regional seed and propagation systems by identifying and securing quality planting materials and ensuring genetic integrity, traceability, and sustainable sourcing.
• Collaborate with Program teams, Lead Farmers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to strengthen farmer capacity in nursery establishment, tree propagation, and climate-smart agroforestry practices.
• Lead the planning, procurement, utilization, and maintenance of nursery infrastructure, equipment, and production inputs, ensuring efficient resource management and compliance with organizational policies.
• Develop and manage CTN budgets, monitor expenditures, maintain accurate production and inventory records, and prepare timely technical, financial, and program reports to support planning and decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, environmental safeguards, health and safety standards, and quality management systems across all Central Tree Nursery operations.
• Foster strategic partnerships, innovation, and continuous improvement in nursery technologies and production systems to enhance productivity, resilience, and long-term sustainability.

Qualifications, Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Agroforestry, Botany, Plant Sciences, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Biology, or a related field.
• At least 5 years' relevant experience in seed systems, forestry, agroforestry, tree nursery management, forest restoration, conservation, botanical gardens, herbarium management, or related fields.
• Experience supervising field assistants, interns, volunteers, or casual laborers is an added advantage.
• Strong Microsoft Excel, digital record management, communication, organizational, and report writing skills.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating multiple field activities.
• Valid motorcycle riding permit, or willingness to obtain one.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; knowledge of local language(s) in the project area is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated knowledge of tropical tree nursery establishment and management, including propagation, grafting, seedling production, quality assurance, and pest and disease management.
• Knowledge of indigenous, fruit, and agroforestry tree species, including propagation techniques and climate-smart agroforestry practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for data management, analysis, and reporting.
• Driven by a genuine commitment to forestry, biodiversity conservation, and creating lasting environmental impact.
• Manages multiple priorities with exceptional attention to detail, consistently delivering high-quality work.
• Applies critical thinking to solve problems, embraces continuous learning, and identifies opportunities to improve operations.
• Builds strong relationships, works effectively across diverse teams, and demonstrates integrity, respect, and accountability.
• Takes ownership of work, shows initiative, and remains effective in fast-changing and demanding environments.
• Flexible and able to perform effectively under challenging field conditions while staying committed to the mission and values of Trees for the Future.