Orchard Manager-Forestry Tech I

State of North Carolina

3d

About The Position

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees. “If there are no qualified candidates remaining in the applicant pool who meet the minimum education and experience or knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position then, an applicant who does not meet the minimum requirements may be considered for hire as a trainee. Salary for a trainee may be set lower than the classification salary range and recruitment range that is listed in the posting. The salary is adjusted as the trainee obtains the additional education and experience to fully meet the position qualifications as outlined in the classification specification.” The North Carolina Forest Service is a team of professionals who provide forest protection, emergency response, resource management and environmental education to the residents and landowners of North Carolina through a variety of programs. The NC Forest Service provides services to 100 counties in North Carolina. This position is responsible for the management of seed collection areas, clonally replicated seed orchards and progeny testing throughout Western North Carolina. Orchard management duties include pesticide application, thinning, pruning, grafting, weed control, pollen collection, fertilization of flowers and integrated pest management. The equipment used to accomplish these tasks may include wheeled tractors, loaders, mowers, sprayers, aerial boom lifts, road tractors, and trailers. This position will also assist Linville River Nursery during mission critical duties that may include sowing, thinning, lifting, packing, and distributing seedlings. This position is part of the NC Forest Service Nursery and Tree Improvement Program and may require cross training, travel, and emergency response outside of the Western North Carolina territory. Duty Station Location: 6321 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland, NC 28657

Requirements

• A valid NC Class A CDL is required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Must obtain Forestry Pesticide operator's license within 90 days of hire.
• Knowledge of plant propagation.
• Ability to calibrate agricultural machines or equipment.
• Ability to operate agricultural equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Possess basic computer skills.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license required within 90 days of hire.
• Associate’s degree in forest management or an environmental or natural science curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two years of related experience in providing forestry services; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Responsibilities

• management of seed collection areas
• clonally replicated seed orchards and progeny testing throughout Western North Carolina
• pesticide application
• thinning
• pruning
• grafting
• weed control
• pollen collection
• fertilization of flowers
• integrated pest management
• assist Linville River Nursery during mission critical duties that may include sowing, thinning, lifting, packing, and distributing seedlings
• cross training
• travel
• emergency response outside of the Western North Carolina territory

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees