NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER II (Operations Lead)

DNR - Forest Service; Maryland; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery is seeking an Operations Lead in Preston, Maryland.

The role directs day-to-day nursery production activities such as crop establishment, harvesting, grading, packaging, and equipment maintenance, while overseeing nursery technicians, seasonal staff, and contracted workers. The position requires hands-on outdoor work with tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, and other specialized equipment, and it involves coordinating with management to uphold production

Qualifications

• Seven years of experience performing or supervising technical natural resources or conservation work.
• Experience leading seasonal employees, contractual workers, or field crews.
• Experience producing tree seedlings or woody plant material including irrigation, fertilization, pest management, harvesting, and grading.
• Experience operating tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, or specialized agricultural equipment.
• Valid Maryland motor vehicle operator's license.

Responsibilities

• Directs day-to-day nursery production activities including crop establishment, harvesting, grading, packaging, and equipment maintenance.
• Leads nursery technicians, seasonal employees, and contractual labor while coordinating with management to maintain production schedules and quality standards.
• Performs hands-on work in outdoor conditions operating specialized agricultural and nursery equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Field supervision

Outdoor work

Equipment operation

Team coordination

Education

High school diploma

Job description

This Operations Lead position at the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery in Preston, Maryland directs day-to-day nursery production activities including crop establishment, harvesting, grading, packaging, and equipment maintenance. The role leads nursery technicians, seasonal employees, and contractual labor while coordinating with management to maintain production schedules and quality standards. The position requires hands‑on work in outdoor conditions operating specialized agricultural and nursery equipment.

Key qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Seven years of experience performing or supervising technical natural resources or conservation work
• Experience leading seasonal employees, contractual workers, or field crews
• Experience producing tree seedlings or woody plant material including irrigation, fertilization, pest management, harvesting, and grading
• Experience operating tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, or specialized agricultural equipment
• Valid Maryland motor vehicle operator's license