Technical Supervisor (Horticulture)

Responsibilities:

• Actively support the implementation of the Area Business Plan.
• Organize and prepare working tours as approved by line management.
• Prepare and submit quarterly administrative reports as required to include site specific information, training returns, quarterly work plans, and work achieved against targets.
• Carry out regular inspections of cemeteries in the region to ensure horticultural routine maintenance is carried out in accordance with CWGC technical and Health and Safety practices and standards.
• Ensure a co-ordinated approach to horticultural routine maintenance programmes and projects carried out by staff and contractors.
• Ensure urgent horticultural maintenance requirements are promptly reported to the Senior Technical Supervisor.
• Assist Supervisor West Africa in the development of various Horticultural and Health and Safety training modules for staff and contractors
• Implement training on the revised horticultural modules to all gardening staff and contractors ensuring consistency across the West & Central Africa region
• Plan and implement Health and safety trainings/meetings/toolbox talks for staff and contractors in the workplace to ensure safe working practices in the use of horticultural machinery, handling of  materials as well as performance of work activities 
• Deliver training on the revised approach to sustainable chemical use to staff and contractors in West & central Africa.
• Plan and implement training logistics ensuring effective delivery and value for money
• Collect, collate and report chemical and water use data for all cemeteries in East Africa
• Actively participate in the formulation of the region’s irrigation management plan for efficient utilization of the water resource. 
• Assist the Senior Technical supervisor in the procurement of quality soils, manures and slow-release turf fertilizers for all turfed sites in West & Central Africa in line with the set guidelines. Ensure optimal utilization of compositing silos
• Maintain accurate up to date records of horticultural layout plans of all cemeteries with a complete and accurate inventory of all horticultural features including trees and other permanent plantings
• Research and coordinate information from various sources (local authorities, local interest groups etc.) that may be added to the Commission's records.
• Support the effective completion of Horticultural routine maintenance and projects.
• Assist the Supervisor West Africa in carrying out PQMS surveys of all PQMS sites in West & Central Africa at least quarterly
• Supervise and co-ordinate the training of gardening staff and contractors in the safe use of horticultural machinery and materials ensuring safe working practices; recording accidents and near misses, taking appropriate action to minimize risk and support best practice.
• Receive and assist visiting CWGC officials, dignitaries, war veterans and members of the public and represent the Commission at ceremonies as needed
• Collect and process monthly cemetery data for inclusion in various CWGC online software packages.
• Coordinate and promote sustainability throughout the cemeteries in West & Central Africa.

Job Functional Knowledge:

• Ability to apply Horticulture knowledge and skills to ensure high standards of maintenance of all horticultural features in the cemeteries
• Identify training needs for horticultural staff and contractors and highlight skills gaps
• Ability to deliver high quality, effective training sessions to gardeners and contractors in order to maintain and improve the relevant skills.
• Ability to apply project management skills to supervise delegated projects 

Business Expertise

• Ability to develop knowledge on the commission standards and ensure all horticultural maintenance work is carried out in adherence to Commission health and safety policies and in line with laid down financial policies. 

Leadership

• Provide direction and guidance to region maintenance contractors. Has confidence to challenge contractors if standards are not met, or breach of contract occurs.

Problem Solving

• Ability to be flexible and adapt to local circumstances and situations

Nature of Impact

• Supports the Supervisor West Africa with day to day supervision of horticultural maintenance in cemeteries. Take lead in the delivery of horticultural training

Area of Impact

• West & Central Africa, stakeholders, contractors, head office officials, war veterans and relatives 

Interpersonal Skills

• Effective verbal and written communication skills across different groups and individuals and in a range of different mediums
• Good interpersonal skills

Requirements:

Essential

• Good command of written and spoken English
• A recognized horticultural degree/diploma qualification
• A clean driving license and ability to drive safely
• A good knowledge of horticultural standards and practices
• Computer literacy

Desirable

• Training qualification
• Health and safety training preferably IOSH

Experience:

Essential

• Project management experience

Desirable

• Relevant experience in a supervisory position

Skills and Abilities:

• Supervision - Provide direction and guidance to gardening staff and contractors to accomplish goals and take forward the Area Business Plan.
• Communication – Good oral and written skills to foster and develop productive relationships with staff, local officials, outside agencies  and dignitaries at all levels to ensure smooth running of the region.
• Able to work with a high degree of autonomy, organizing work to meet deadlines set by others.
• Able to prioritize allocation of resources in order to successfully execute agreed work programmes. Use resources wisely and economically. 
• Good administrative, numerical and IT skills using these to ensure information required by Area office are provided promptly.
• Resource Management — Ability to negotiate best value for money
• Application of Specialist Expertise - Open to developing new skills by taking part in training and development.
• Committed to professional development
• An alignment and adherence to the Commission’s Values: RESPECT, EXCELLENCE, TEAMWORK, COMMUNICATION, PROFESSIONALISM and COMMITMENT
• Health and Safety responsibility for self and others