Forestry Seed Orchard Operations Lead

Agrilife; Texas; On-site; USD 52,200 - 63,800; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking a Forestry Nursery Operations Coordinator I to manage seed orchard operations in East Texas. The role is housed at the Magnolia Springs Seed Orchard near Kirbyville and includes supervising field staff, coordinating contracts, and advancing pine and hardwood propagation.

Responsibilities cover grafting, breeding project support, plot establishment, and record-keeping. A BS in Biological Sciences or equivalent experience is required; MS is preferred.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences or 5 years in an applied tree improvement program.
• Preferred: MS in Biological Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and supervise the seed orchard activities and three on-site Resource Specialists, coordinating with Tree Improvement staff.
• Administer contracts for orchard management, fertilization, cone/seed insect control, and cone harvests.
• Oversee grafting, maintenance, and management of pine and hardwood seed orchards.
• Coordinate grafting, site prep, and progeny tests for breeding programs and progeny testing.
• Establish and measure research plots across the state; maintain records of seed orchard and breeding programs.
• Perform routine maintenance of equipment, facilities, and vehicles; manage agency credit cards.
• Assist with staff support for tree improvement operations not tied to the seed orchard.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Personnel development

Budget management

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor's of Science in Biological Sciences

Master's of Science in Biological Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking a Forestry Nursery Operations Coordinator I to manage seed orchard operations in East Texas. The role is housed at the Magnolia Springs Seed Orchard near Kirbyville and includes supervising field staff, coordinating contracts, and advancing pine and hardwood propagation.

Responsibilities cover grafting, breeding project support, plot establishment, and record-keeping. A BS in Biological Sciences or equivalent experience is required; MS is preferred.