Outdoor Forest Nursery Technician – Lead Seedling Team

State-of-Iow; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

IPERS retirement

Nine paid holidays

Employee discount programs

Job summary

The State Forest Nursery, operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, seeks technicians to cultivate and prepare seedlings for customers across Iowa. The role involves outdoor work, equipment operation, and team leadership across busy seasonal cycles.

Ideal candidates will enjoy forestry-related tasks, handle planting and grading, and coordinate with the Nursery Manager to ensure timely shipping and quality control.

Qualifications

• Experience in outdoor work or forestry-related tasks is preferred.
• Ability to supervise seasonal staff and inmate crews.
• Ability to manage records and inventories.

Responsibilities

• Grow and care for tree and shrub seedlings.
• Operate nursery and forestry equipment (tractors, irrigation and spray equipment, forklifts, mowers, chainsaws).
• Lead seasonal employees and inmate work crews in planting, nursery maintenance, grading, packaging, and shipping.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Record keeping

Tools

Tractors

Irrigation equipment

Forklifts

Mowers

Chainsaws

Job description

The State Forest Nursery, operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, seeks technicians to cultivate and prepare seedlings for customers across Iowa. The role involves outdoor work, equipment operation, and team leadership across busy seasonal cycles.

Ideal candidates will enjoy forestry-related tasks, handle planting and grading, and coordinate with the Nursery Manager to ensure timely shipping and quality control.