Plant Propagation Technician

Location

Hadnall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

 

Job type

Permanent

 

Hours

Full time

 

About Forestart Ltd

Forestart sells tree and shrub seed to nurseries for forestry, amenity and conservation purposes. We collect seed throughout the UK and then bring it back to our sites near Shrewsbury to process, treat and store. For a number of species we also sell cuttings, rooted cuttings and seedlings.  We are a major supplier of tree seed in the UK; our operations are key to plantings throughout the UK. Our team works hard to ensure that sufficient good quality seed is available in the market place and that customer needs are met in all aspect of supply.

To ensure that we have sufficient seed available we have many of our own seed orchards which contain trees that are genetically superior for forestry. Our orchards also have many other trees and shrub species that we grow solely to collect seed from. These trees and shrubs are grown in house.

 

JOB SUMMARY

To support the production of high-quality trees, shrubs and ornamental plants through a range of propagation and growing techniques. The Plant Propagation Technician will assist with all aspects of plant propagation, plant production and the maintenance of growing areas, ensuring plants are produced to a high horticultural standard while maintaining excellent standards of health and safety, quality and environmental practice.

The role will contribute to Forestart’s horticultural operations by supporting seasonal propagation programmes, caring for young plants and stock material, maintaining propagation facilities and ensuring consistent production of healthy, high-quality plants.

 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Plant Propagation

• Select, collect and prepare propagation material including seed, cuttings and other vegetative material.
• Carry out a range of propagation techniques including seed sowing, stratification, softwood, semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings, grafting and budding where appropriate.
• Prepare and mix growing media for propagation and plant production.
• Monitor and maintain propagation environments including temperature, humidity, irrigation, misting and ventilation systems.
• Apply rooting hormones where required and maintain high standards of hygiene throughout propagation areas to minimise disease risk.

Plant Production and Care

• Assist with seed sowing, pricking out, transplanting and potting-on young plants.
• Care for stock plants, young plants and propagation material throughout all stages of production.
• Carry out routine plant care tasks including watering, feeding, weeding, cleaning, spacing and labelling.
• Prepare plants for overwintering and seasonal protection.

Plant Health

• Monitor plants for pests, diseases and disorders.
• Support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through cultural, biological and approved control methods.
• Maintain optimum growing conditions through effective irrigation, fertilisation and plant care practices.
• Report any plant health concerns and support corrective actions where required.

Growing Area Maintenance

• Maintain polytunnels, propagation areas, stock beds and outdoor growing spaces to a high horticultural standard.
• Ensure plants are correctly labelled and traceable throughout all stages of production.
• Maintain propagation benches, irrigation systems, tools and equipment.
• Assist with maintaining planted areas across Forestart sites where required.

Planning and Record Keeping

• Support propagation schedules and seasonal production planning.
• Maintain accurate records of propagation batches, germination rates, strike rates and plant movements.
• Record crop performance and production information using company systems.
• Ensure accurate labelling and traceability standards are maintained.

Health & Safety

• Work in accordance with Forestart Health & Safety policies, procedures and safe working practices.
• Use appropriate PPE and operate tools, machinery and equipment safely.
• Assist with risk assessments and promptly report hazards, accidents and near misses.
• Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness and housekeeping within all working areas.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Experience using horticultural hand tools and equipment safely.
• Ability to carry out physically demanding work, including lifting, bending and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Desirable Knowledge and Experience

• Experience working in a plant propagation or production environment.
• Plant identification skills across trees, shrubs and ornamental species.
• Practical experience within horticulture, plant production or propagation.
• Experience of propagation techniques including seed sowing, pricking out, potting-on and cuttings.
• Good understanding of plant care requirements including watering, feeding, spacing and hygiene.
• Ability to recognise common plant health issues and follow established growing procedures

Personal Attributes

• Genuine enthusiasm for horticulture and plant propagation.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing seasonal priorities.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Willingness to learn and develop new horticultural skills.

 

Qualifications

Essential

• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• RHS Level 1 or Level 2 (or equivalent) in Horticulture.
• PA1 & PA6 Pesticide Application Certificates.
• Tractor or telehandler certification.
• Relevant horticultural or plant production qualification.

Performance Measures

• Achievement of propagation targets, including germination and strike rates.
• Production of healthy, high-quality plants.
• Accurate completion of propagation records and plant labelling.
• High standards of growing area presentation and housekeeping.
• Compliance with Health & Safety procedures.
• Positive contribution towards team objectives and operational targets.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position.
• Work undertaken across, polytunnels, propagation facilities and outdoor growing areas.
• Regular manual handling and periods of standing, bending and walking.
• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions throughout the year.
• Flexibility to support seasonal peaks and occasional early starts when operationally required.

 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

–              Competitive Salary

–              25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

–              Regular hours of work Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm

–              Half hour lunch break and two additional breaks

–              Company pool vehicle provided for all business travel

–              On-site parking and employee assistance programme provided

–              Immediate start available for the right candidate

 

 

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your CV and a cover letter to liz@forestart.co.uk

To ensure your application is processed correctly, use the subject line:

“Application – Plant Propagation Technician – Your Full Name”

 

Informal discussions about the role are welcomed. Please contact Liz Ridley on 01939 210638.

  

CLOSING DATE

28th August 2026