Job Description

About Maritime Innovation Limited

Maritime Innovation Limited (MIL) is a biotechnology and plant propagation company based in Sussex, New Brunswick, and wholly owned by J.D. Irving, Limited. MIL specializes in the operational production of elite plant materials for forestry and agriculture using advanced propagation systems, including classic tissue culture, conifer somatic embryogenesis (SE), and controlled environment growing technologies. The company also manufactures biological products designed to enhance plant performance and resilience.

MIL is currently expanding its production platform to deliver up to 5 million somatic embryogenesis-derived conifer seedlings annually, with infrastructure and systems in place to support further scaling in future years. The operation is designed to support high-throughput, repeatable production aligned with large-scale nursery, greenhouse, and field deployment programs. Success at MIL depends on disciplined execution, strong operational leadership, and continuous improvement across all production activities.

Crop Production & Planning

• Develop and manage annual and multi-year crop production plans aligned with customer demand, reforestation programs, and operational capacity.
• Oversee all crop growth stages including seed handling, sowing, germination, sticking, grafting, transplanting, spacing, watering, fertility management, pest management and hardening-off.
• Ensure production schedules align with storage, shipping, and planting windows.
• Monitor crop progress and adjust cultural practices to optimize crop quality and survival rates.
• Work with tree improvement team to manage trials, grafting program and research.
• Forecast production volumes and inputs (seed, media, fertilizers, supplies).
• Track crop progress and report on yields, losses, and efficiency metrics.
• Collaborate with nursery management, logistics, and sales/forestry teams to meet delivery timelines.
• Support R&D initiatives and adoption of new technologies or sustainable practices.

Technical Oversight & Best Practices

• Establish, implement, and refine growing protocols for somatic embryo production, realized gain trials, and grafting program.
• Apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including scouting, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
• Manage irrigation and fertigation programs based on species, growth stage, and environmental conditions.
• Evaluate new growing media, containers, fertilizers, and technologies to improve efficiency and quality.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure seedlings and emblings consistently meet internal quality standards and external customer specifications (e.g., height, caliper, root development).
• Maintain compliance with phytosanitary, environmental, and certification requirements.
  • EMS, Iso 14001, JHSC
• Conduct regular crop inspections, audits, and documentation reviews.
• Participate in audits and support traceability and quality assurance programs.

Leadership & Supervision

• Provide day-to-day technical guidance and mentoring to growers and production staff.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance development related to growing operations.
• Promote a strong safety culture and adherence to health and safety policies.
• Foster teamwork and coordination between growing, shipping, maintenance, and administrative teams. Promote a strong safety culture and ensure staff follow health, safety, and biosecurity procedures.

Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate production records, crop data, and growing reports.
• Analyze performance metrics such as survival and production KPIs.
• Identify trends and implement corrective and preventive measures where required.
• Contribute to budgeting, cost control, and resource planning related to growing operations.

Environmental Stewardship

• Support sustainable nursery practices including water conservation, nutrient management, and waste reduction.
• Ensure growing operations align with environmental regulations and company sustainability objectives.

Decision-Making Authority

• Adjust growing regimes to respond to crop health, weather conditions, and production risks.
• Recommend changes to inputs, schedules, and protocols affecting crop quality.
• Escalate critical production risks to management with proposed mitigation strategies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Seedling quality and specification compliance
• Crop yield and survival rates
• Reduction in crop loss and production inefficiencies
• Timeliness of production milestones
• Staff competency and adherence to protocols
• Health, safety, and environmental compliance

Working Conditions

• Combination of greenhouse, outdoor field, and office environments
• Physical activity including walking, bending, and standing for extended periods

Required:

• Diploma or degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5–8 years of nursery or forest seedling production experience.
• Strong knowledge of forest species physiology and nursery production systems. Strong knowledge of greenhouse and nursery growing practices.
• Experience with integrated pest management (IPM) and plant health monitoring.
• Familiarity with environmental controls, irrigation systems, and fertigation programs.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.

Preferred:

• Previous leadership or senior growing role experience.
• Experience with containerized and/or bareroot seedling systems.
• Familiarity with nursery management software and data tracking systems.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced technical growing knowledge
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and coaching capability
• Excellent organization and planning abilities
• Clear communication and documentation skills
• Ability to work in a seasonal, fast-paced environment

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.
We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.
Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.
We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.