Forestry Nursery Operations Coordinator I

Texas A&M University; Kirbyville (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance package

Retirement benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Texas A&M Forest Service in East Texas seeks a Forestry Nursery Operations Coordinator I to manage field activities in pine tree improvement programs, oversee seed orchard operations, and coordinate staff support for tree improvement operations not related to the seed orchard. The role will direct budgeting, purchases for equipment, and grafting of new orchards near Kirbyville, TX.

The position requires leadership, knowledge of farming principles, grafting and pollination techniques, plus

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Biological Sciences or five years in an applied tree improvement program.
• Master's in Biological Sciences preferred.
• Two+ years supervisory experience required.
• Grafting and control pollination techniques experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of seed orchard and pine/hardwood seed orchards.
• Schedule and supervise seed orchard staff and coordinate with Tree Improvement staff.
• Manage contracts for orchard maintenance, fertilization, insect control and cone harvests.
• Administer grafting, progeny testing, site prep and planting of tests.
• Maintain records and manage equipment, facilities and vehicle maintenance.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Personnel development

Education

Bachelor's of Science in Biological Sciences

Master's of Science in Biological Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Forestry Nursery Operations Coordinator I Agency

Agency: Texas A&M Forest Service Department Tree Improvement & Nurseries Department

Proposed Minimum Salary: $5,083.34 monthly

Job Location: Kirbyville, Texas

Job Type: Staff Job

The Texas A&M Forest Service is looking for a highly qualified, experienced manager for its seed orchard operations in East Texas. The Forestry Nursery Operations Coordinator will be housed at the Magnolia Springs Seed Orchard, near Kirbyville, TX. They will direct the planning and performance of field activities in the agency's pine tree improvement programs. They will manage operational budgets and facilitate purchases for vehicle and equipment maintenance. They will also work with the Tree Improvement Department Head to install and graft new pine and hardwood orchards and coordinate staff support for tree improvement operations not related to the seed orchard.

This posting will close on June 26, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Complete the daily operation of the agency's pine tree improvement program to include the following:
  • Schedule and supervise the activities of seed orchard and three on-site Resource Specialists. Coordinate related activities with tree improvement staff in College Station.
  • Administer contracts as the need arises for various management activities such as orchard fertilization, cone and seed insect control and cone harvests.
  • Oversee the grafting, maintenance and management of various pine and hardwood seed orchards for the agency production orchard program.
  • Oversee the breeding and progeny testing program of the agency by coordinating the grafting and maintenance of scion banks, site preparation, design and planting of progeny tests.
  • Establish, maintain and measure research plots at various locations across the state.
• Maintain computer records on the seed orchard and breeding program.
• Perform routine maintenance of equipment, facilities and vehicles.
• Manage and account for agency credit cards in accordance with all applicable laws, policies, rules, procedures and guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce. Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities.

Education and Experience

• Required Education: Bachelor's of Science in Biological Sciences or the equivalent of five (5) years experience in an applied tree improvement program.
• Preferred Education: Master's of Science in Biological Sciences
• Required Experience: Familiarity with agriculture, horticulture or forest management.
• Excellent leadership and personnel management skills.
• Minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience.
• Preferred Experience: Experience in an applied tree improvement program.
• Demonstrated tree improvement skills in grafting and control pollination techniques.
• Mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Required Knowledge: Knowledge of farming principles.
• Working knowledge of tree improvement activities such as grafting, pollination, seed collection and test measurement.
• Preferred Knowledge: Microsoft Office programs
• Required Skills: Strong organizational skills. Leadership. Good oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Personnel development.
• Preferred Abilities: Communicate effectively and work with a variety of internal and external groups. Ability to plan and carry out programmatic tasks with minimal supervision. Demonstrated abilities to manage budgets and equipment inventories.

Registrations, Certifications and Licenses

• Required: Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days employment.
• Pesticide Applicators License or the ability to obtain on within 90 days of employment.
• Mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory
• Licensed in accordance with department and state regulations.

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of twelve universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center, Texas A&M-Fort Worth and Texas A&M-RELLIS. The A&M System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee. Each member institution provides equal opportunity and access to all students, employees and prospective employees.

The Texas A&M System is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer.