Plant Propagator

About the Role

Eram Talent is seeking a Plant Propagator to join their team in Saudi Arabia. This full-time role is responsible for the propagation, establishment, and management of plant material essential for supporting botanic garden collections, displays, conservation programs, and horticulture operations. The position requires 0-1 years of experience.

Role Overview

The Plant Propagator will apply a range of propagation methods, including seeds, cuttings, grafting, division, and other vegetative techniques, to produce healthy and genetically appropriate plant stock. Key responsibilities include managing nursery areas and propagation stock, developing protocols for rare and difficult-to-propagate species, and monitoring plants through various establishment stages. The role also involves maintaining detailed propagation records and evaluating success rates to continuously improve techniques and support the long-term sustainability and conservation value of plant collections.

Key Responsibilities

• Propagate plants using diverse techniques such as seeds, cuttings, grafting, budding, layering, and division, selecting methods based on species, seasonal needs, and collection objectives.
• Collect, prepare, process, and store seeds and vegetative propagation material, assessing their quality and viability.
• Prepare appropriate propagation media and containers, applying necessary seed treatments like scarification or stratification.
• Undertake specialist propagation activities including grafting, budding, and division, and treat cuttings to promote successful rooting.
• Monitor germination, rooting, establishment, growth, and overall plant health, identifying and addressing issues such as disease, pests, or nutrient deficiencies.
• Manage and maintain nursery and propagation areas, ensuring optimal growing conditions, hygiene, and plant-care standards.
• Manage nursery plant stock to meet the requirements of garden collections, seasonal displays, and conservation programs.
• Monitor and manage environmental factors such as irrigation, humidity, shade, and temperature within propagation areas.
• Coordinate the movement of propagated plants to various garden environments and support their hardening and acclimatisation.
• Develop, test, and refine species-specific propagation protocols, particularly for rare and endangered species, and conduct trials to improve success rates.
• Collaborate with curators, botanists, horticulturists, and conservation specialists to identify propagation priorities.
• Maintain detailed records of all propagation activities, methods, source material, dates, treatments, and success rates.
• Maintain accurate nursery stock inventories and update relevant plant collection databases.
• Implement appropriate nursery hygiene, sanitation, plant-health, and biosecurity procedures, supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, environment, and horticulture operating procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• 0-1 years of experience in plant propagation or a related horticultural field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of various plant propagation methods, including seeds, cuttings, grafting, and division.
• Ability to manage nursery environments and maintain plant health.
• Strong record-keeping skills for propagation activities and inventory management.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Saudi Arabia, involving hands-on work in nursery and propagation areas within a botanic garden setting. The role requires attention to detail and adherence to strict hygiene and safety protocols.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to apply for this Plant Propagator position with Eram Talent in Saudi Arabia.