Natural Resources Manager II

Forest Service • Caroline, MD

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a position-specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service. The eligible list will be maintained for one year and may be used to fill current and future vacancies in the same classification and function.

The position serves as the Operations Lead at the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery in Preston, Maryland. It is a hands-on lead-worker role responsible for carrying out and coordinating daily nursery production, including crop establishment and care, harvesting, grading, packaging, order fulfillment, shipping, and equipment operation and maintenance. The Operations Lead coordinates assigned nursery technicians, seasonal employees, and contractual labor to meet established production schedules and quality standards; adjusts daily labor and equipment deployment; maintains production and equipment records; and provides field observations and operating recommendations to support nursery planning. The role also performs seed collection and processing as assigned and coordinates customer pickup and shipment activities.

The position works within production priorities established by the Nursery Manager and Operations Supervisor. It provides hands-on direction and training, assigns and reviews work, and supports safe, timely operations. The position does not have formal supervisory authority.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Seven years of experience performing, or supervising workers performing, technical natural resources or conservation work.
• A valid motor vehicle operator's license in the State of Maryland if assigned duties requiring operation of a motor vehicle.
• Ability to perform physical duties including climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and lifting materials used in nursery operations.
• Ability to work outdoors regularly in varying weather conditions and around agricultural and nursery equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing nursery, agricultural, horticultural, forestry, or comparable production work.
• Experience leading seasonal employees, contractual workers, volunteers, or field crews.
• Experience producing tree seedlings or other woody plant material, including irrigation, fertilization, cultivation, pest management, root pruning, mowing, harvesting, grading, or storage.
• Experience operating tractors, harvesters, aerial lifts, irrigation systems, or other specialized agricultural, nursery, or forestry equipment.
• Experience with seed collection, seed processing, seedling grading, packaging, cold storage, shipping, or customer order fulfillment.
• Experience performing routine maintenance or coordinating repairs for tractors, irrigation systems, vehicles, or production equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily nursery production activities, including crop establishment and care.
• Direct assigned nursery technicians, seasonal employees, and contractual labor in production, harvesting, grading, packaging, shipping, and maintenance work.
• Adjust daily labor and equipment deployment to keep work on schedule while maintaining quality and safety.
• Operate specialized nursery and agricultural equipment and perform equipment maintenance.
• Perform seed collection and processing activities as assigned.
• Maintain production and equipment records and provide field observations and operating recommendations for nursery planning.
• Coordinate customer pickup and shipment activities.
• Assign and review work and provide hands-on direction and training to crews.
• Work with the Nursery Manager and Operations Supervisor to coordinate daily nursery operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED