Seed Orchard Specialist

From a humble beginning in 1988 with six nurseries, PRT has grown into North America's largest grower of forest seedlings, having grown over 6 billion trees. With 27 Nurseries & 14 Seed Orchards across the US and Canada, we annually cultivate over 630 million high-quality seedlings, playing a vital role in reforestation and sustainable forestry. We're driven by a passion for environmental stewardship and a commitment to nurturing relationships, driving excellence, and fostering a people-first mindset, all to make a difference for a greener future.

What You Can Expect When You Join PRT

• Competitive Compensation & Financial Growth: Earn a competitive annual salary with opportunities for bonus or short-term incentives and build your financial future with our matching 401K program.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Take care of yourself and your family with our extended health, vision, and dental coverage, along with paid vacation and holidays.
• Career Development & Learning: Grow your skills and advance your career with personalized guidance and a learning-focused culture that prioritizes continuous development.
• Stable, Inclusive & Collaborative Environment: Join a year-round stable company where your voice matters in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Make a Difference for the Planet: Contribute to environmental sustainability and a passion for nature solutions.

About the Role

Join PRT as a Seed Orchard Specialist in West Verbena, Alabama, where you'll be actively shaping the landscape of tomorrow by effectively participating in our new cutting-edge seed processing facility. In this vital role, you will be at the forefront of sustainable forestry, producing top-quality, genetically improved Southern Pine seed. This is a unique, hands-on position perfect for someone who loves both technical production and machinery; you will safely operate advanced seed processing systems while leading the routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of the facility's equipment. If you are looking to combine a passion for forestry with strong mechanical skills, we want you on our team.

Responsibilities

• Seed Orchard Operations:
  • Assist the Seed Sourcing & Processing Manager in planning, implementing, and overseeing all seed orchard activities, including:
    • Orchard establishment and maintenance
    • Grafting operations
    • Fertilization and herbicide/insecticide applications
    • Controlled Mass Pollination (CMP)
    • Cone harvest
  • Maintain meticulous records of all orchard activities, including cone harvest collection, CMP bagging, pollen inventory, grafting maps, and other crucial data.
  • Continuously evaluate orchard operations, identify areas for improvement, and implement innovative solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and accuracy.
  • Ensure proper maintenance of all equipment and maintain accurate service records.
  • Regularly inspect orchard facilities to address housekeeping and safety concerns.
  • Play a key role in CMP production efforts, ensuring optimal pollen collection, storage, and application.
  • Oversee the care of orchards, equipment, and facilities to ensure the development of future cone crops.
• Equipment Handling:
  • Safely operate a range of equipment including tractors, forklifts, boom lifts, UTVs, and power tools.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Foster a culture of safety and ensure adherence to all PRT safety policies and procedures.
  • Supervise and coordinate the activities of the Seed Orchards in Alabama.
• Recordkeeping & Tracking:
  • Maintain accurate records of seed processing activities and track progress against key production and timeline targets.
• Collaboration & Reporting:
  • Collaborate with the Seed Sourcing & Processing Manager on:
    • Developing annual capital plans and budgets
    • Developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
    • Managing and reporting on contract labor crews
  • Effectively communicate key findings and improvement ideas to management.
  • Work with internal and external resources to achieve production and research objectives in a safe and efficient manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in horticulture, agriculture, or forestry, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills that ensure clarity and alignment across all aspects of operations.
• Excellent mechanical skills along with experience diagnosing and repairing minor mechanical breakdowns effectively.
• Proficiency with digital tools including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Epicor.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and adapt in a dynamic work environment.
• Confidence working independently or as part of a team environment.
• Practical skills in operating and maintaining equipment, including seed processing equipment, forklifts, tractors, UTVs, and tools for safe use.
• Reliability and flexibility, with a willingness to work full-time—including weekdays and weekends during peak seasons.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with opportunities for bonus or short-term incentives.
• Matching 401K program.
• Extended health, vision, and dental coverage.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Personalized career development and learning opportunities.

Schedule

Full-time, including weekdays and weekends during peak seasons.