American Forests-posted 13 days ago
$80,000 - $100,000/Yr
Full-time • Director
Onsite
51-100 employees

Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all. To support this work, we are looking for a Director, South Central Oregon Seed Orchard to join our Resilient Forests team. As a part of the team, you will collaborate with local partners to develop quality, climate-adapted seed to support restoration efforts in fire prone, dry forests of Oregon and Northern California. The Seed Orchard Director will be responsible for the comprehensive planning, development, establishment, and ongoing management of a new, 60 acre + conifer seed orchard. This role requires experience in forest genetics, horticulture, and project management, with a strong emphasis on species adapted to dry, east-side climates of Oregon and Northern California. The Director will lead all aspects of orchard development, ensuring the production of high-quality, genetically diverse seed for future reforestation programs. The successful candidate will build and maintain partnerships with federal, local, state, private, and tribal entities to support reforestation initiatives. Seed sources will include, but are not limited to, Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, Whitebark Pine, Sugar Pine, and Incense Cedar.

  • Seed Orchard Management (55%)
  • Planning and Development (Initial Phase)
  • Orchard Site Assessment
  • Conduct or oversee site evaluations, including soil analysis, irrigation systems, logistical considerations, and identify necessary steps to begin implementation of seed orchard
  • Conduct any minor repairs or general maintenance/upkeep necessary
  • Orchard Design and Layout
  • Develop in partnership with landowners and foresters the orchard design, including blocks for different species and customers, irrigation layout, and potential for greenhouse development
  • Seed Selection and Propagation
  • In collaboration with geneticists and partner forestry experts, select appropriate parent source material best suited for dry site conditions, climate resilience, and geographic locations.
  • Develop and implement strategies for initial plant material acquisition, grafting, and establishment of orchard trees.
  • Budget and Resource Planning
  • Develop detailed budgets, procure necessary equipment and supplies, and manage resources effectively during the establishment phase
  • Infrastructure Development:
  • Oversee the planning and implementation of all necessary infrastructure, including irrigation, power, and specialized equipment for orchard operations.
  • Orchard Management and Operations (Ongoing)
  • Operational Activities:
  • Graft and crown maintenance, planting, application of chemicals to control weeds and insects, pruning, maintenance and operation of irrigation systems, mowing, use of plant hormones to increase cone production, monitoring and adjusting application of fertilizers for tree nutrition as needed, frost protection, pollen management and oversight of the harvest of the cone crops.
  • Genetic Integrity:
  • Maintain records of tree parentage, genetic crosses, and orchard layout to ensure genetic integrity
  • Cone and Seed Production:
  • Manage all aspects of cone collection, handling, storage and transportation logistics to extractories.
  • Inventory Management:
  • Maintain accurate inventory of seed, plant material, and orchard assets.
  • Maintenance:
  • Ensure proper operation and maintenance of all orchard equipment and facilities.
  • Leadership, Administration, and Collaboration (35%)
  • Stakeholder Engagement:
  • In conjunction with ODF and other partners, develop an outreach strategy to engage underserved private landowners, specifically veterans, limited resource producers, beginning forest landowners (<10 years), and landowners living in high poverty areas.
  • Build partnerships with groups and entities that serve private landowners including resource conservation districts (RCDs), state agencies, municipalities, university extension specialists, networks and partnerships, and consulting foresters to support landowner education and engagement around resilient reforestation market opportunities
  • In partnership, develop or utilize clear and compelling outreach materials detailing resilient reforestation opportunities, post fire restoration, and principles of climate-resilient reforestation among other topics
  • Collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, including foresters, geneticists, land managers, researchers, and regulatory agencies.
  • Leadership:
  • Train, supervise, and mentor up to 5 full-time permanent and/or seasonal staff orchard staff, fostering a safe, productive, and collaborative work environment.
  • Ensure all operations comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and organizational policies.
  • Administrative
  • Prepare regular reports on orchard status, seed production, budget, and project milestones.
  • Where applicable, support staff and consulting foresters to coordinate reforestation project implementation including seedling orders, planting contractors, and other implementation work as needed.
  • Support program fundraising with grant writing and participation in other fundraising efforts as appropriate.
  • Work with administration and operation staff to track and manage program finances.
  • Develop and manage budgets in partnership with American Forests’ program and finance departments.
  • Research and Innovation (10%)
  • Participate in and support applied research initiatives related to conifer genetics, seed production, orchard management techniques, and species migration.
  • Stay current with advancements in seed orchard technology, forest genetics, and dry site silviculture, implementing new methods as appropriate.
  • Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
  • Assist American Forests’ staff in the delivery of relevant in-person meetings, conferences, and events.
  • Conduct public presentations at conferences and meetings.
  • Plan and lead site visits and field tours as appropriate.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Forest Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
  • At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in seed orchard management, forest nursery operations, forest genetics, silviculture, or intensive horticultural production.
  • Demonstrated experience in the establishment and development of new agricultural or forestry operations.
  • Proven experience with conifer species, particularly those adapted to dry or eastern PNW forest climates.
  • Strong knowledge of forest genetics, tree physiology, and plant propagation techniques (e.g., grafting, rooting), and cone induction practices, including crop assessment and maturity evaluation.
  • Expertise in irrigation and nutrient management, pest/disease identification and control, and soil science.
  • Proficiency in operating and maintaining farm/orchard equipment, including tractors and implements.
  • Competency in data management, record-keeping, and use of GIS/GPS technologies for site mapping and orchard layout.
  • Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team effectively.
  • Excellent project management skills, including planning, execution, and monitoring.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information to diverse audiences.
  • Experience in grant writing and securing funding for large-scale projects.
  • Valid Driver's License required for travel to potential sites and field operations.
  • Master’s degree preferred.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Pet Benefits
  • Health and Wellness
  • Work-Life Balance
  • Financial and Retirement
  • Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Paid Holidays
  • Disability Insurance
  • Parental Bonding Leave
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Military Leave
  • 401(k) Match
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