Building a successful career

From horticulture to health and safety, Jules has avidly embraced the concept of pivoting.

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She joined Ernslaw in 2013 part-time in the company’s seed orchard and was made Seed Orchard Manager in 2017.  

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Ernslaw’s14ha seed orchard was established to provide the supply of good quality Douglas-firseed as part of genetic improvement through a natural breeding programme.  The orchard consists of five different families of grafted Douglas-fir as well as seed processing facilities.  

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Jules was responsible for species development and genetic improvement, managing and evaluating trials, and general orchard maintenance. She could always be found tending to trees in the orchard checking on the growth of the trees with her trusty four-legged friend, Baxter.

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“I love the seed orchard and immersing myself in nature – it is so rewarding seeing things grow,” says Jules.  “But while I was getting the physical demands of the orchard, I felt I needed a mental challenge, and it was time to learn something new.”

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“Health and safety is something I’ve always been interested in.  It was a component of the Horticultural Science degree I did at Lincoln.  So, I approached my Regional Manager, and he embraced the idea. I joined the Health & Safety team in Otago and was encouraged to enroll in the Level 6 Health & Safety Diploma.”

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The Diploma involved two days of class time in Christchurch per month, over 8 months, and then four major projects to complete over the next two years.

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“Ernslaw has been so supportive – they paid for my course, and all related costs to attend,” says Jules.

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As a part of diploma work Jules introduced a working-alone programme and app to the business, developed a training matrix for staff and carried out an extensive audit on the company’s health and safety systems.

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The diploma has really expanded Jules’ world and she now spends one day a week on orchard related duties and the rest of her time is dedicated to health and safety.

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“I’ve had so many new opportunities since getting involved in Health and Safety and then completing the diploma.  I feel very privileged in this role as it has enabled me to work in other regions and develop relationships and friendships with colleagues and contractors.”

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Jules was seconded to the Southern North Island region to pick up the H&S coordinator role for around eight months where she learnt about another region’s operation and dealing with completely different and more challenging terrain.

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Jules has been a part of the major changes that Ernslaw’s Health & Safety team have undergone over the last two years with new personnel and leadership.  With implementing innovative systems and policies Jules has been travelling around the regions to carry out training and assist with transitioning people through the new approach.

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“I have thoroughly enjoyed working for Ernslaw, meeting all the wonderful people who have come and gone during the last 10 years, and I am looking forward to what the future holds for myself and the company moving forward.”

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