Container Nursery Specialist

PRT Growing Services Ltd.; DeRidder (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Compensation

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

Career Development

Stable and Inclusive Environment

Job summary

PRT Growing Services Ltd. in DeRidder, LA is looking for a Forest Container Nursery Technician. This full-time role will involve seed stratification, planting, irrigation, and harvesting activities. You will operate nursery equipment and ensure high-quality seedling production across the Southeast.

The ideal candidate will possess a degree in horticulture, agriculture, or forestry, have strong communication and analytical skills, and be adaptable to the dynamic work environment.

Join a stable and inclusive team dedicated to environmental sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in horticulture, agriculture, or forestry, or equivalent experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency with digital tools including Excel, Word, Outlook, and GIS.
• Strong time management skills.
• Confidence working independently or collaboratively.
• Practical skills in operating and maintaining equipment.
• Willingness to work full-time, including weekends during peak seasons.

Responsibilities

• Manage seed stratification and treatment, planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Operate forklifts, farm tractors, and nursery equipment safely.
• Assist with daily maintenance of equipment and grounds.

Skills

Technical skill

Field experience

Strong communication skills

Analytical thinking

Digital tools proficiency

Time management

Equipment operation

Reliability and flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree or diploma in horticulture, agriculture, or forestry

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Job description

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 to build your financial future with our matching RSP.
• 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.

Job Description

ABOUT THE ROLE:

PRT is seeking a Forest Container Nursery Technician. Activities will include seed stratification and treatment, planting, irrigation, fertilizer / chemical application, and harvesting. PRT’s seedlings are positioned to be the highest quality in the industry and are distributed across the Southeast. During the spring, you’ll be focused on seed treatment, sowing, and crop establishment. Each season will bring new goals and challenges. During the summer, your efforts will shift to growing, fertilizing, irrigation, and crop development. In the fall and winter, you will be involved in the harvest and distribution of our seedlings.

Key Accountabilities of the Nursery Technician:

• Operate forklift, farm tractors, and various other nursery equipment safely and efficiently.
• Operate spray‑rigs, fertilizer injection equipment, and center pivot irrigation in a safe and productive manner.
• Assist with daily tasks necessary to maintain equipment, buildings, and grounds.

LOCATION: DeRidder, LA, PRT Evans

WORK STATUS: Full‑time Hourly

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

Qualifications

What YOU bring to the table

You’re a dynamic and driven professional who brings technical skill, field experience, and a collaborative mindset to support and strengthen our seed orchard operations.

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in horticulture, agriculture, or forestry, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills that ensures clarity and alignment across all aspects of operations.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to support informed decision‑making.
• Proficiency with digital tools including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Geographic Information system (GIS).
• 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 tractors, UTVs, and tools for safe pesticide and fertilizer application.
• Reliability and flexibility, with a willingness to work full‑time—including weekdays and weekends during peak seasons.

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 [email protected] for more information about our accessible workplace, including disability accommodation for the recruitment process and beyond.