A rare, once‑in‑a‑generation, operational leadership opportunity
After more than 40 years of dedicated service, Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s long‑standing Manager of the Nursery and Seed Centre is retiring. This creates a rare opportunity to step into a highly respected, operational leadership role that has shaped Tasmania’s forest regeneration outcomes for decades.
This role has not previously been available in its current form and offers the opportunity to lead a specialist, statewide operation with deep expertise, strong relationships and a proud legacy.
About Sustainable Timber Tasmania
Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) is Tasmania’s forest manager, and managing the forest respectfully, innovatively and sustainably is at the heart of everything we do – our work is about more than making our forests productive, we’re here to keep them healthy and thriving.
We are proud to be recognised as a Tasmanian Employer of Choice. We value diversity, equity and inclusion and are a workplace where people feel they are treated fairly and with respect. We encourage suitably qualified applicants of all ages, abilities, genders, cultures and linguistic backgrounds including people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent to apply.
Our Values
Respect: we create safe places
Responsibility: we take ownership
Growth: we create sustainable value
Excellence: we make it happen
Job Description
About the role
Reporting to the Regional Manager North and based in Perth, Tasmania, the Manager – Nursery & Seed Centre leads the statewide operations of the Forest Nursery and Tasmanian Seed Centre, ensuring the reliable, safe and commercial production of seedlings and seed for internal regions and external customers.
The role has three direct reports and provides leadership and operational supervision to a broader group of contract workers and seasonal staff supporting nursery and seed centre activities.
This is not a typical production nursery management role. The operation integrates seed collection and storage, nursery production, orchards and long‑term genetic programs, with planning horizons measured in decades.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Leading nursery and seed centre operations and a specialist team
Delivering safe, timely and cost‑effective seed and seedling production
Managing budgets, pricing, contracts and commercial arrangements
Maintaining infrastructure, plant and equipment
Building strong relationships with internal regions, customers and industry partners
About the Nursery & Seed Centre
Based in Perth, Tasmania, Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s Nursery and Seed Centre plays a critical role in forest regeneration across the state.
The Centre collects, tests and stores seed from Tasmania’s production forests, maintaining a seed bank of approximately 1.4 billion seeds. It produces around 1.5 million seedlings each year across nearly 50 native and plantation species, supporting forest regeneration, biodiversity outcomes and long‑term sustainability.
A supported transition
Given the uniqueness of this operation, the retiring Manager will remain actively involved during the initial months in the role, providing hands‑on mentoring and structured knowledge transfer, drawing on more than four decades of experience.
This approach ensures continuity, preserves critical knowledge and supports a confident transition into this highly specialised leadership role.
Desired Skills and Experience
About you
You may already be an experienced nursery or seed centre manager, or a senior practitioner who has built strong capability and is now ready to take the next step into a broader and more complex, operational leadership role.
You will bring:
Qualifications in Horticulture, Agriculture or a related field
Experience leading nursery, seed centre or comparable production operations
Strong people leadership and stakeholder engagement skills
Sound commercial and financial acumen
The ability to balance seasonal operational pressures with long‑term supply planning
Experience with forestry‑aligned operations, seed orchards, eucalyptus and other native species will be highly regarded.
What’s on offer?
A permanent, full-time position
Indicative salary of $131,000 per annum plus superannuation
A company vehicle with part‑private use
Considering a move to Tasmania?
Northern Tasmania offers a relaxed lifestyle, outstanding natural environments, vibrant regional communities and easy access to outdoor recreation, while still providing meaningful, impactful work.
Relocation assistance is available for interstate applicants, speak to us about this if you need to know more.
Why join us?
A rare operational leadership opportunity with statewide impact
A genuine succession and knowledge‑transfer approach
A values‑driven organisation committed to sustainability and safety
A lifestyle role in Northern Tasmania with strong organisational support
Are you interested? If you would like to know more about this opportunity or request a phone discussion, please contact us via email at STT.People@sttas.com.au.
The position description and more information about STT's application process is available on our website at: www.sttas.com.au/about-us/careers
How to apply
www.sttas.com.au/about-us/careers
Please include:
A cover letter outlining how your skills and experience are aligned with the role and why you think you’re the best person for the job, and
your resume
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 17 May 2026. Please note that we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may engage with suitable applicants prior to the closing date.
