Nurseryperson - Large Grade Production

Southern Woods Ltd; Rolleston; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Woods Nursery in Rolleston, South Island, is seeking a Nurseryperson for the Large Grade Production team. The role focuses on growing and caring for plants from 2.5L through to 45L, with emphasis on quality, presentation and efficient production.

It suits someone who enjoys outdoor work and takes pride in a busy production environment. You will join a 50-strong team of passionate plant enthusiasts in a family-owned business committed to sustainability and quality.

Qualifications

• Physically fit and comfortable with hands-on outdoor work.
• Positive, energetic and reliable team player.
• Able to prioritise tasks and use initiative.
• Honest, punctual and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Passionate about plants, gardening or horticulture, with a willingness to learn.
• Attentive to detail and committed to producing quality work.
• Previous nursery or horticulture experience is an advantage; agrichemical application, GrowSafe licence, and tractor/forklift experience would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Potting machine operation and hand potting
• Laying out, spacing and moving plants throughout the nursery
• Weeding, grading and maintaining high standards of plant quality
• General plant and nursery site maintenance
• Routine agrichemical applications
• Working efficiently to meet production requirements while maintaining quality
• Ensuring work practices and the working environment comply with health and safety requirements

Skills

Physically fit

Outdoor work

Team player

Initiative

Honest and punctual

Attention to detail

Nursery experience

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Southern Woods Ltd – Rolleston, South Island

Southern Woods Nursery is one of New Zealand’s leading nurseries. For over 30 years we have been growing and supplying millions of NZ natives and exotic plant species to both retail and wholesale customers countrywide. Located just south of Christchurch with bike paths and bus stops close by you will find a modern retail space and well equipped 11-hectare nursery with a 50-strong team of experienced, passionate plant enthusiasts.

We are a family-owned business with a strong focus on sustainability, quality and supporting our local community. Over the years we have built a reputation for not just great plants but also trusted for quality service. This is your chance to join a team that takes real pride in what we grow and encourage personal growing opportunities for the team as well.

The Role

Due to an internal promotion we have a Nurseryperson role available in our Large Grade Production team.

The Large Grade Production team produces and cares for plants from 2.5L through to 45L, with a strong focus on plant quality, presentation and efficient production.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in their work and wants to be part of a busy, hardworking production team.

Primary Responsibilities

These may include, but are not limited to:

• Potting machine operation and hand potting
• Laying out, spacing and moving plants throughout the nursery
• Weeding, grading and maintaining high standards of plant quality
• General plant and nursery site maintenance
• Routine agrichemical applications
• Working efficiently to meet production requirements while maintaining quality
• Ensuring work practices and the working environment comply with health and safety requirements

Skills & Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Physically fit and comfortable with hands-on outdoor work
• A positive, energetic and reliable team player
• Able to prioritise tasks and use initiative
• Honest, punctual and able to work with minimal supervision
• Passionate about plants, gardening or horticulture, with a willingness to learn
• Attentive to detail and committed to producing quality work
• Previous nursery or horticulture experience is an advantage. Experience applying agrichemicals, with a GrowSafe licence, and experience driving tractors or forklifts would also be beneficial.

Primary ITO training/apprenticeship opportunities are available for the right candidate.

Working Conditions

This is a physically active, outdoor role. Most of the working day will involve standing, walking, crouching, bending and reaching, with heavy lifting on a daily basis.

You will need to be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and be willing to get your hands dirty.

To be considered for this role, you must have a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and develop your skills in a production environment.

If you enjoy working with plants, being part of a hardworking team and seeing the results of your work grow, we would love to hear from you.

Applications close on 18 September 2026.

Working status:

Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.