Production Supervisor

On Farms

Core tasks

Ensure scheduled crops for intended harvest have passed the withholding period.
Ensure that all specialised harvest equipment is maintained.
Ensure correct harvest to suit conditions of crop, soil moisture and variety to minimise any mechanical damage.
Liaise with farm operation manager / shed production manager / maintenance supervisor.
Ensure quality of harvest throughout harvest period to minimise damage.
Identify and report unusual disease or plant pest signs.
Transport and store chemicals.
Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds, and diseases.
Implement a post-harvest program.
Establish horticultural crops.
Carry out emergency disease or plant pest control procedures at infected premises.
Operate chemical application machinery and equipment.
Coordinate work site activities.
Perform shed nursery activities.
Regulate crops.

The Career Pathways

Occupations such as production supervisor have become increasingly important for horticulture businesses and are in strong and growing demand.

The role involves a lot of pest and disease monitoring, plant nutrition and watering. They are responsible for implementing the integrated pest and disease management program, as well as nutritional programs and testing, such as soil and leaf testing.

Production horticulture supervisors work both indoors and outdoors overseeing the irrigation scheduling for the farm managers.