Nursery Operations Lead: Tree Seedling Production

Maryland AG; Maryland; On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service, seeks an Operations Lead at the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery in Preston, MD. The role oversees daily nursery production, staff leadership, and coordination with management to meet schedules and quality standards.

The position requires seven years of relevant experience, high school diploma, and ability to operate specialized equipment; outdoor work in varying weather conditions is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Seven years of experience in technical natural resources or supervising related work.
• Experience substituting volunteer/part-time work for required experience allowed.
• Military service may substitute for required experience per guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead nursery technicians, seasonal staff, and contractors in crop production, harvesting, grading, packaging, shipping, and maintenance.
• Coordinate daily nursery operations with the Nursery Manager and Operations Supervisor.
• Operate specialized nursery and agricultural equipment and maintain production records.
• Ensure production quality and safety while adapting labor and equipment deployment to schedules.

Skills

Nursery operations

Lead seasonal staff

Equipment operation

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Tractor operation

Irrigation systems

Harvesting equipment

Job description

Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service, seeks an Operations Lead at the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery in Preston, MD. The role oversees daily nursery production, staff leadership, and coordination with management to meet schedules and quality standards.

The position requires seven years of relevant experience, high school diploma, and ability to operate specialized equipment; outdoor work in varying weather conditions is required.