Operations Manager (Forest Seedling Nursery) Nelson, BC

PRT Growing Services Ltd.; Nelson; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in environmental stewardship is seeking a passionate Operations Manager for their Forest Seedling Nursery. This role offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated team in producing high-quality seedlings while driving sustainable practices. You will be responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing daily nursery operations, ensuring productivity and quality standards are met. With a commitment to employee development and environmental impact, this position promises a fulfilling career where your contributions will make a real difference in cultivating a greener future. Join a company that values shared success and fosters a culture of growth.

Benefits

Matching RRSP program

Extended health, vision, and dental coverage

Paid vacation

Paid Stat holidays

Professional development support

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 3+ years of nursery operations experience with leadership skills.
• Bachelor's degree or diploma in horticulture, agriculture, or forestry.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily seedling production activities and manage the growing team.
• Develop and implement nursery operational work plans and cultural plans.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Team Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in horticulture, agriculture, or forestry

Diploma in horticulture, agriculture, or forestry

Tools

MS Office Suite

Proprietary inventory management system

Job description

Operations Manager (Forest Seedling Nursery)

• Full-time

WHO WE ARE:

Did you know that over 6 billion trees started their lives as PRT seedlings?

From our roots in 1988, when a group of dedicated employees banded together to purchase six seedling nurseries, PRT has grown into North America's largest forest seedling provider.

Today, with 28 nurseries across the US and Canada, including 14 seed orchards, we grow over 630 million high-quality seedlings annually. We're proud to play a vital role in supporting reforestation and sustainable forestry practices across the continent.

We're a company driven by shared success and a passion for environmental stewardship. We provide the foundation for healthier forests and a greener future.

We would love for you to be a part of what we’re growing!

WHAT WE VALUE:

• Nurturing Relationships: We believe in building strong, authentic connections with our customers, our colleagues, and our communities.
• Driving Excellence: We're committed to delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations in all that we do.
• People-First Mindset: We prioritize the well-being and development of our employees, fostering a culture of respect, support, and collaboration.
• Making a Difference: We're passionate about contributing to a healthier planet and creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

PRT is seeking a full-time Forest Seedling Operations Manager to be based in Nelson, British Columbia, at PRT Harrop. The Operations Manager is responsible for the planning, organizing, and control of the daily activities involved in seedling production. This includes directing personnel in accordance with operational work plans and cultural requirements and continuous oversight and review of nursery productivity to improve or remove any unnecessary labour and waste from the system.

Key Accountabilities of the Forest Seedling Operations Manager:

• The Operations Manager will work closely with the Nursery Manager, crop production team and Maintenance Supervisor to achieve the production of cost-effective crops of the requested quality and quantity.
• Develop and implement a nursery operational work plan to meet the cultural plan as set out by the crop production team, this includes:
• determining, setting and monitoring rates and targets of productivity
• analysis of planned to actual results
• make recommendations for sow factor and oversow adjustments to meet operational targets
• budgeting of nursery operational activities
• ordering and coordination of material requirements
• Development and implementation of the nursery cultural plan in consultation with nursery staff including:
• setting growing media specifications;
• making recommendations for appropriate oversow factors on the basis of germination capacities and stock specifications;
• definition and application of growing and fertigation regimes on the basis of nursery-specific growth records and curves;
• modifying cultural schedules, as required;
• pest monitoring and management programs;
• appropriate conditioning and hardening regimes;
• quality control and monitoring program;
• Overseeing and directing the growing team on a day-to-day basis, including:
• Adherence to safe work practices;
• hiring and terminating of growing team personnel;
• training and career development;
• disciplinary and other issues;
• Development and implementation of a crop history data base;
• Lead and provide support by building solid relationships with team members, provide on-going coaching, and feedback. Motivate and support employees to ensure optimum engagement levels. Understand and address individual motivational needs, concerns and challenges.
• Maintenance and implementation of an effective risk management plan.
• Assist in preparation and implementation of a preventative maintenance program.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in the nursery’s day-to-day operations.
• Substituting for the Nursery Manager in their absence.
• Other duties as may be required from time to time.
• Encourage innovation and continuous improvement.
• Promote collaboration and teamwork at all levels.
• Set targets (i.e., production, timelines) and evaluate achievement.

More Than Just a Job:

This is your chance to make a tangible impact on our planet. At PRT, you'll be part of a legacy that has planted over 5 billion trees! We're not just growing seedlings; we're cultivating a greener future, one tree at a time.

Why PRT?

• Rooted in Shared Success: We're a company where every voice matters. With 92% employee ownership, your contributions directly impact our growth and prosperity.
• Cultivating a Culture of Growth: We value nurturing relationships, driving excellence, and putting our people first. We believe in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone can thrive.

Are You Our Next Forest Seedling Nursery Leader?

If you have a passion for plants, a knack for leadership, and a desire to make a real difference, we encourage you to apply!

LOCATION: PRT Harrop, Nelson, British Columbia

*Weekdays and weekends as needed, especially during our busiest times of the year.

WHAT YOU BRING:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in horticulture, agriculture, or forestry (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in nursery operations, with a proven track record of leadership and team management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to make sound judgments under pressure.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and a willingness to learn our proprietary inventory management and shipping system.
• Ability to problem solve and conduct root cause analysis.
• A genuine passion for growing things and a deep understanding that this is a way of life, not a 9-to-5 job.

Alignment with PRT's Values:

• Safety First, Growth Always! Working safely together, every day.
• Passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• Strong work ethic and dedication to excellence.

Join our tree-loving team at PRT Armstrong and help us grow a greener tomorrow!

WHAT WE OFFER:

Grow Your Career, Cultivate Your Potential. At PRT, we believe in nurturing talent as carefully as we nurture our forests. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package is designed to help you thrive professionally and personally.

• $75,000 - $82,000 annual salary based on knowledge and experience
• Matching RRSP program; Supporting your long-term financial planning
• Extended health, vision, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation and paid Stat holidays

Professional Development:

• Development Support: Personalized guidance to accelerate your career growth
• Learning-Focused Culture: Continuous skill development built into every role
• Recognition for innovative contributions that drive our business forward
• Collaborative, inclusive work environment
• Passion for nature solutions and the earth
• Year-round stability and growth
• Strong commitment to environmental sustainability
• Passionate team dedicated to stewardship of North American forests

Join PRT and be part of a mission-driven organization where your professional growth is as important as the forests we help to grow. Here, you're not just an employee – you're a vital part of our ecosystem of innovation and environmental stewardship.

We embrace openness and diversity of thought for innovation and growth. We seek different perspectives to challenge conventional approaches and continuously improve our company’s performance and progress. We believe that openness and diversity of thought help us drive innovation, make better decisions, achieve effective stewardship of our business and enable our people to thrive.

We encourage you to connect with us at [emailprotected] for more information about our accessible workplace, including disability accommodation for the recruitment process and beyond.

Follow us on Instagram: @TrustedToGrow, @IFCOSeedlings or

Facebook: @PRTGrowingServices

LinkedIn: @PRTGrowingServices, @IFCOSeedlings