Forestry Nursery Operations Coordinator I

tamus; Kirbyville (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement benefits

Tuition reimbursement opportunities

Job summary

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking a Forestry Nursery Operations Coordinator I to lead seed orchard operations at Magnolia Springs Seed Orchard near Kirbyville, TX. You will direct field activities in pine tree improvement programs, manage budgets, and coordinate staff support for tree improvement operations beyond the seed orchard.

The role emphasizes grafting, progeny tests, maintenance of equipment, and collaboration with the Tree Improvement Department Head.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's of Science in Biological Sciences or five years' experience in an applied tree improvement program.
• Leadership and personnel management experience required.
• Familiarity with agriculture, horticulture or forest management.
• Experience in an applied tree improvement program preferred.
• Pesticide applicators license or the ability to obtain one within a reasonable time.

Responsibilities

• Complete the daily operation of the agency's pine tree improvement program, scheduling and supervising seed orchard staff.
• Administer contracts for orchard fertilization, cone and seed insect control and cone harvests.
• Oversee grafting and management of pine and hardwood seed orchards for the production program.
• Coordinate grafting and maintenance of scion banks and progeny tests.
• Establish and measure research plots across the state.
• Maintain seed orchard and breeding program computer records.
• Perform routine maintenance of equipment, facilities and vehicles.
• Manage agency credit cards in accordance with laws and guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Budget management

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

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 Description

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 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 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.

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.

Required Abilities: Operate a wide variety of agricultural equipment including but not limited to: aerial lifts, tractors, trailers and power saws. Ability to maintain computer-based tree improvement records. Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

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.