Nursery Management Advisor
Agriculture & Horticultural Sustainability
Closing date: 1/30/2026
Download Job DescriptionApply onlineJob description
Te Whāinga | Our Purpose is
Te Hono Tangata - Te Huringa Ora.
Ka hono a Te Tūao Tāwāhi i ngā tūao pūkenga ki ngā whakahaere me ngā hapori i te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa me tua atu, hei tautoko i ngā wawata kua tautuhia ā-rohe, ā, kia tutuki ai te panoni toitū.
Connecting People – Transforming Lives.
Volunteer Service Abroad connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities in the Pacific and beyond to support locally identified aspirations and achieve sustainable change.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
This is your opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer to share your experience, skills and knowledge to serve and build capacity in the Solomon Islands. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced horticulturist or someone with green thumbs and the right level of transferrable skills, who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering, with a keen interest in building capability in the Pacific.
The length of this assignment in the Solomon Islands will be 12 months. VSA will support you by funding and organizing your flights, visas, insurances, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while you are on assignment.
Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako – Essential skills/experiences for the role:
If you are interested in this opportunity, below are some of the key skills and experiences that we’re looking for.
- Qualification in agriculture, horticulture or similar field
- 3+ years' experience working as a Nursery manager or other similar role.
- Experience in plant production, soil, fertilizers and growing techniques
- Outstanding communication skills
About our Partner Organisation | Solo Enviro Beautification (SEB):
Solo Enviro Beautification (SEB) is a pioneering organisation dedicated to enhancing the environmental landscape of Honiara, Solomon Islands. As the only organisation in the country equipped to tackle the challenge of creating and maintaining a green city, SEB plays a critical role in beautifying the urban environment for both residents and tourists. SEB’s medium-sized nursery features a diverse range of plants and trees, supporting its large-scale landscaping projects, such as those undertaken to beautify Honiara for the 2023 Pacific Games.
With a team of approximately 30 gardeners and casual staff, along with seven administrative and security personnel, SEB is committed to delivering high-quality landscape designs and maintaining a well-managed nursery. By partnering with skilled professionals, SEB aims to further strengthen its operations, ensuring sustainable and impactful improvements to Honiara’s green spaces.
The Assignment:
This assignment focuses on supporting Solo Enviro Beautification (SEB ) to improve the management and operations of their nursery in Honiara, Solomon Islands. As the volunteer Nursery Operations Manager, you will work closely with nursery staff to enhance their skills in plant care, transplanting, stock management, and daily upkeep of plants. Through mentoring, training, and capacity-building, the volunteer will help implement efficient nursery practices, ensuring SEB can consistently meet the demand for high-quality plants and trees for large-scale landscaping projects.
The role involves reviewing current nursery operations, identifying areas for improvement, and providing practical recommendations to optimise processes. By developing and delivering training materials and offering hands-on guidance, the volunteer will empower SEB staff to confidently manage the nursery. This support will contribute to SEB's mission of creating a greener, more beautiful Honiara for the benefit of both residents and visitors.
The Country – The Solomon Islands:
The Solomon Islands has over 900 islands, 5,000 rural villages and 550,000 people. Between 1999 and 2003 it experienced a period of conflict which took a heavy toll on the country and left a need for reconciliation and on-going peace and security measures.
A request for assistance by the government in 2003 led Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific Island countries to form the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) which restored peace and security.
VSA has established a strong presence in Solomon Islands through its ongoing partnerships with multiple in-country partners, including strong relationships with Solomon Islands Government.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply: Please apply for this opportunity through our website. For more information or if you have any questions on this assignment, you are welcome to email our recruitment team at: volunteer@vsa.org.nz. Noting that due to our VSA funding requirements, our volunteers must be a NZ citizen or NZ Permanent Resident to progress further in our recruitment process.
What’s included
Included when you join us
VSA organises and fully funds return economy-class international flights between New Zealand and your host country, plus any approved domestic travel connected to your assignment.
You’re covered under VSA’s comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy, which also includes emergency evacuation and personal belongings coverage. Before departure, you’ll receive full information on what’s covered and how to access support.
VSA arranges and funds safe, furnished accommodation throughout your assignment, whether you're in a capital or rural location. A housing checklist ensures your needs are met for comfort and security.
You’ll receive a modest monthly living allowance, paid into a local bank account, designed to cover essentials like food, transport, and utilities. This is in line with VSA’s cost-of-living support for volunteers.
Before you leave, VSA provides a multi-day residential briefing in Wellington, fully funded by VSA. This includes cultural orientation, language training, health and safety guidelines, and logistical preparation to get you deployment-ready
From your first day on assignment, you’ll have strong in-country support from VSA staff, Programme Managers and Coordinators, who provide orientation, security briefings, pastoral care, and ongoing assistance throughout your placement.
Preparation
How to prepare?
Be prepared for a comprehensive recruitment journey. This includes initial screening, background checks, and two interviews, one of which is a panel interview with a subject matter expert. Only after successfully completing these steps will you receive a provisional offer and begin the onboarding process. It’s essential to wait for VSA’s confirmation before making significant life changes, such as resigning from your job or selling property, as there may be delays in immigration or medical clearances.
Once accepted, you'll be invited to attend a multi-day residential briefing in Wellington. This course equips you with tools for success, covering cultural orientation, safety protocols, health preparation, and assignment logistics. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with other outgoing volunteers.
Volunteering abroad can be both deeply rewarding and personally challenging. Conditions may be unfamiliar, and change is often constant. Bring flexibility, a sense of humour, and a willingness to learn from others, you’ll grow alongside the community you’re there to support.
You’ll need to complete a health screening and ensure all required vaccinations are up to date. VSA provides medical and travel insurance, but you are also responsible for managing your day-to-day wellbeing. Think about how you'll maintain mental and physical health while overseas.
VSA asks volunteers to become ambassadors for the kaupapa. You will be asked to fundraise $1,000 to support the programme and raise awareness about your assignment. We provide resources and guidance to help you share your story and connect your networks with the impact of your work.
The platform we ask you to use is Raisely.
From visa applications to police checks and health forms, there are a few critical administrative tasks before departure. Our team will guide you through the steps to make sure everything is completed on time and with ease.
