Forestry Nursery Operations Coordinator I

Texas A&M University System•Kirbyville, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking an experienced manager to oversee seed orchard operations at the Magnolia Springs Seed Orchard near Kirbyville, Texas. The position directs the planning and performance of field activities in the agency’s pine tree improvement programs, manages operational budgets, and facilitates purchases for vehicle and equipment maintenance. In coordination with the Tree Improvement Department Head, the coordinator installs and grafts new pine and hardwood orchards and coordinates staff support for tree improvement operations outside the seed orchard. The role includes overseeing seed orchard and breeding operations, managing staff and contracts, maintaining research plots and program records, and performing routine maintenance of equipment, facilities, and vehicles. The coordinator also manages and accounts for agency credit cards in accordance with applicable requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, or the equivalent of five years of experience in an applied tree improvement program.
Familiarity with agriculture, horticulture, or forest management.
At least two years of supervisory experience.
Knowledge of farming principles and working knowledge of tree improvement activities such as grafting, pollination, seed collection, and test measurement.
Strong organizational skills, leadership, good oral and written communication, interpersonal communication, and personnel development skills.
Ability to operate agricultural equipment, including aerial lifts, tractors, trailers, and power saws.
Ability to maintain computer-based tree improvement records, multitask, and work cooperatively with others.
Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science in Biological Sciences.
Experience in an applied tree improvement program.
Demonstrated tree improvement skills in grafting and control pollination techniques.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
Ability to communicate effectively and work with a variety of internal and external groups.
Ability to plan and carry out programmatic tasks with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and equipment inventories.
Certifications are preferred to be uploaded with the application.

Responsibilities

Schedule and supervise seed orchard activities and the work of three on-site Resource Specialists, coordinating related activities with tree improvement staff in College Station.
Administer contracts for management activities such as orchard fertilization, cone and seed insect control, and cone harvests.
Oversee grafting, maintenance, and management of pine and hardwood seed orchards for the agency production orchard program.
Oversee the agency breeding and progeny testing program, including coordinating grafting and maintenance of scion banks, site preparation, and the design and planting of progeny tests.
Establish, maintain, and measure research plots at locations across the state.
Maintain computer records on the seed orchard and breeding program.
Perform routine maintenance of equipment, facilities, and vehicles.
Manage and account for agency credit cards in accordance with applicable laws, policies, rules, procedures, and guidelines.
Manage operational budgets and facilitate purchases for vehicle and equipment maintenance.
Work with the Tree Improvement Department Head to install and graft new pine and hardwood orchards.
Coordinate staff support for tree improvement operations not related to the seed orchard.
Perform other duties as assigned.