Job Description

WHO WE ARE

At Trees for the Future (TREES), we believe farmers have the power to transform the world. For over 30 years, we have partnered with farming families to restore degraded landscapes, improve livelihoods, and build resilient food systems through our Forest Garden Approach. Operating across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, TREES has planted over 400 million trees while empowering thousands of farmers to create lasting environmental and economic change.

In Uganda, TREES works with thousands of farming households across the Lake Victoria Watershed to restore landscapes, strengthen livelihoods, and improve ecosystem health through regenerative agroforestry.

Learn more at trees.org/lvcarbon.

THE ROLE

The Central Tree Nursery (CTN) Coordinator is responsible for leading the establishment, management, and continuous improvement of Central Tree Nursery operations within the assigned region. Reporting to the Training Coordinator, the CTN Coordinator provides strategic and technical leadership to ensure the efficient production, quality assurance, inventory management, and timely distribution of high-quality tree seedlings in accordance with TREES' technical standards, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and operational plans.

Working closely with the Training Coordinator, the CTN Coordinator leads the implementation of regional nursery production strategies, supervises and develops the Central Tree Nursery team, and coordinates nursery operations with Training Officers, Seed Bank Officers, Project Officers, and Training Site teams. The role is responsible for strengthening nursery systems through effective planning, resource management, innovation, quality control, and continuous learning to ensure the reliable supply of quality planting materials that support TREES' program objectives and farmer adoption of agroforestry practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the establishment, operational management, and performance of Central Tree Nurseries (CTNs) within the assigned region, ensuring achievement of production, quality, and efficiency targets.

1. Provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for all nursery operations to drive seedling production, quality assurance, innovation, and continuous improvement.

1. Supervise, coach, mentor, and manage the performance and development of CTN staff, including Nursery Attendants, Grafting Technicians, and casual workers, while supporting recruitment and onboarding in collaboration with the People & Culture team.

1. Develop regional nursery production strategies, annual work plans, and operational schedules aligned with organizational priorities and seasonal planting calendars.

1. Oversee the propagation, grafting, production, inventory management, and timely distribution of high-quality fruit and agroforestry seedlings, while monitoring field performance to improve production and survival outcomes.

1. Develop and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical guidelines, training materials, and quality assurance systems to promote standardized nursery operations and best practices.

1. Strengthen regional seed and propagation systems by identifying and securing quality planting materials and ensuring genetic integrity, traceability, and sustainable sourcing.

1. Collaborate with Program teams, Lead Farmers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to strengthen farmer capacity in nursery establishment, tree propagation, and climate-smart agroforestry practices.

1. Lead the planning, procurement, utilization, and maintenance of nursery infrastructure, equipment, and production inputs, ensuring efficient resource management and compliance with organizational policies.

1. Develop and manage CTN budgets, monitor expenditures, maintain accurate production and inventory records, and prepare timely technical, financial, and program reports to support planning and decision-making.

1. Ensure compliance with organizational policies, environmental safeguards, health and safety standards, and quality management systems across all Central Tree Nursery operations.

1. Foster strategic partnerships, innovation, and continuous improvement in nursery technologies and production systems to enhance productivity, resilience, and long-term sustainability.

WHO YOU ARE

• You are driven by a genuine commitment to forestry, biodiversity conservation, and creating lasting environmental impact.

• You manage multiple priorities with exceptional attention to detail, consistently delivering high-quality work.

• You apply critical thinking to solve problems, embrace continuous learning, and identify opportunities to improve operations.

• You build strong relationships, work effectively across diverse teams, and demonstrate integrity, respect, and accountability in everything you do.

• You take ownership of your work, show initiative, and remain effective in fast-changing and demanding environments.

• You are flexible and able to perform effectively under challenging field conditions while staying committed to the mission and values of Trees for the Future.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate should possess:

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Agroforestry, Botany, Plant Sciences, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Biology, or a related field.

• At least 5 years' relevant experience in seed systems, forestry, agroforestry, tree nursery management, forest restoration, conservation, botanical gardens, herbarium management, or related fields.

• Experience supervising field assistants, interns, volunteers, or casual laborers is an added advantage.

• Strong Microsoft Excel, digital record management, communication, organizational, and report writing skills.

• Ability to work independently while coordinating multiple field activities.

• Valid motorcycle riding permit, or willingness to obtain one.

• Fluency in written and spoken English; knowledge of local language(s) in the project area is an added advantage.

DESIRABLE TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate should demonstrate knowledge of:

• Tropical tree nursery establishment and management, including propagation, grafting, seedling production, quality assurance, and pest and disease management.

• Indigenous, fruit, and agroforestry tree species, including propagation techniques and climate-smart agroforestry practices.

• Nursery production planning, inventory management, seedling distribution, and resource management.

• Staff supervision, technical training, performance management, and farmer capacity building.

• Basic seed sourcing and handling practices to support quality nursery production.

• Data management, monitoring, reporting, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND BENEFITS

TREES is an International Organization that strives to be the best home for staff wanting to make an impact on the farmers we serve. We believe that the diversity of our staff contributes to excellence. TREES values collaboration and teamwork that fosters increased engagement and innovation for professional growth.

We offer a multicultural, collegial work environment with a competitive salary, comprehensive medical insurance, workers' compensation, and substantial paid time off, including annual leave and sick leave.

APPLY

If this opportunity speaks to you, please apply with 1) a cover letter that explains why TREES’ work excites you and why this role is a fit for you; and 2) your resume. Submit your application by 17th August2026 Ensure that both documents are shared as PDF documents. We review applications on a rolling basis.

Trees for the Futureisanequal-opportunityemployer. We do not discriminateon the basis ofrace,colour, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, or other characteristics or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

We embrace and value diverse skill sets and backgrounds. We are a community of leaders who are proud torepresentmany different national, racial, ethnic, socio-economic, religious, gender, and other identities. Our diversity as a community is our strength, driving our ability to be empathetic, visionary, and effective leaders.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.