Seed Orchard Specialist

PRT•Moultrie, GA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

PRT is seeking a Seed Orchard Specialist for an existing vacancy in Moultrie, Georgia. The role supports seed orchard operations and production of genetically improved Southern Pine seed, including hands-on work in pine cone and seed processing at a new seed processing facility. The specialist safely operates seed processing systems and other equipment, and leads routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of facility equipment. The position assists the Seed Orchard Manager in planning and overseeing orchard activities, maintains operational and production records, and helps improve safety, efficiency, and accuracy. It also includes supervising and coordinating Seed Orchard activities in Georgia and Alabama, supporting controlled mass pollination (CMP), collaborating on budgets and standard operating procedures, and working with internal and external resources to meet production and research objectives.

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 and experience diagnosing and repairing minor mechanical breakdowns.
Proficiency with Excel, Word, Outlook, and Epicor.
Strong time management skills, including 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, 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 to improve safety, efficiency, and accuracy.
Maintain equipment and accurate service records; inspect orchard facilities for housekeeping and safety concerns.
Support CMP production, including pollen collection, storage, and application.
Oversee the care of orchards, equipment, and facilities to support future cone crops.
Safely operate seed processing equipment, tractors, forklifts, boom lifts, UTVs, and power tools.
Foster a culture of safety and ensure adherence to PRT safety policies and procedures.
Supervise and coordinate Seed Orchard activities in Georgia and Alabama.
Maintain accurate 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, developing and maintaining SOPs, and managing and reporting on contract labor crews.
Communicate findings and improvement ideas to management.
Work with internal and external resources to achieve production and research objectives safely and efficiently.
Diagnose and repair minor mechanical breakdowns.