Seed Orchard Specialist

PRT•Moultrie, GA

10d

About The Position

PRT is seeking a Seed Orchard Specialist for an existing vacancy in Moultrie, Georgia. The role supports a new seed processing facility and the production of genetically improved Southern Pine seed. It combines hands-on seed and orchard production with operating and maintaining processing machinery. The specialist assists the Seed Orchard Manager with orchard operations, helps lead routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, and supervises and coordinates seed orchard activities in Georgia and Alabama.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or diploma in horticulture, agriculture, or forestry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent mechanical skills, including the ability to diagnose and repair minor mechanical breakdowns.
Proficiency with Excel, Word, Outlook, and Epicor.
Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize, multitask, and adapt in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Practical skills operating and maintaining seed processing equipment, forklifts, tractors, UTVs, and tools safely.
Reliability and flexibility, including willingness to work full-time on weekdays and weekends during peak seasons.

Responsibilities

Assist the Seed Orchard Manager in planning, implementing, and overseeing orchard establishment and maintenance, grafting, fertilization, herbicide and insecticide applications, Controlled Mass Pollination (CMP), and cone harvest.
Maintain detailed records of orchard activities, including cone harvest collection, CMP bagging, pollen inventory, and grafting maps.
Evaluate orchard operations, identify improvement opportunities, and implement solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and accuracy.
Maintain equipment and accurate service records, and inspect orchard facilities for housekeeping and safety concerns.
Support CMP production, including pollen collection, storage, and application.
Oversee care of orchards, equipment, and facilities to support future cone crops.
Safely operate tractors, forklifts, boom lifts, UTVs, power tools, and seed processing equipment.
Promote a culture of safety and ensure adherence to PRT safety policies and procedures.
Supervise and coordinate Seed Orchard activities in Georgia and Alabama.
Maintain records of seed processing activities and track progress against production and timeline targets.
Collaborate with the Seed Orchard Manager on annual capital plans and budgets, Standard Operating Procedures, and management and reporting of contract labor crews.
Communicate key findings and improvement ideas to management.
Work with internal and external resources to achieve production and research objectives safely and efficiently.