Seed Orchard Specialist

From a humble beginning in 1988 with six nurseries, PRT has grown into North America's largest grower of forest seedlings, having grown over 6 billion trees. With 27 Nurseries & 14 Seed Orchards across the US and Canada, we annually cultivate over 630 million high-quality seedlings, playing a vital role in reforestation and sustainable forestry. We're driven by a passion for environmental stewardship and a commitment to nurturing relationships, driving excellence, and fostering a people-first mindset, all to make a difference for a greener future.

Here’s what you can expect when you join PRT

• Competitive Compensation & Financial Growth: Earn a competitive annual salary with opportunities for bonus or short-term incentives and build your financial future with our matching 401K program
  .
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Take care of yourself and your family with our extended health, vision, and dental coverage
  , along with paid vacation and holidays
  .
• Career Development & Learning: Grow your skills and advance your career with personalized guidance and a learning-focused culture that prioritizes continuous development.
• Stable, Inclusive & Collaborative Environment: Join a year-round stable company where your voice matters in a collaborative and inclusive work environment
  .
• Make a Difference for the Planet: Contribute to environmental sustainability and a passion for nature solutions

Seed Orchard Specialist

We are currently seeking to fill an existing vacancy on our team.

Join PRT as a Seed Orchard Specialist in West Verbena, Alabama, where you’ll be actively shaping the landscape of tomorrow by effectively participating in our new cutting-edge seed processing facility. In this vital role, you will be at the forefront of sustainable forestry, producing top-quality, genetically improved Southern Pine seed. This is a unique, hands‑on position perfect for someone who loves both technical production and machinery;

you will safely operate advanced seed processing systems while leading the routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of the facility’s equipment. If you are looking to combine a passion for forestry with strong mechanical skills, we want you on our team.

What will YOU be doing as a Seed Specialist?

As a Seed Orchard Specialist
, you’ll contribute directly to the future of our forests through hands‑on work in pine cone—seed processing, seed production, and team collaboration. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Seed Orchard Operations:
  • Assist the Seed Sourcing & Processing Manager in planning, implementing, and overseeing all seed orchard activities, including:
    • Orchard establishment and maintenance
    • Grafting operations
    • Fertilization and herbicide/insecticide applications
    • Controlled Mass Pollination (CMP)
    • Cone harvest
  • Maintain meticulous records of all orchard activities, including cone harvest collection, CMP bagging, pollen inventory, grafting maps, and other crucial data.
  • Continuously evaluate orchard operations, identify areas for improvement, and implement innovative solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and accuracy.
  • Ensure proper maintenance of all equipment and maintain accurate service records.
  • Regularly inspect orchard facilities to address housekeeping and safety concerns.
  • Play a key role in CMP production efforts, ensuring optimal pollen collection, storage, and application.
  • Oversee the care of orchards, equipment, and facilities to ensure the development of future cone crops.
• Safely operate a range of equipment including tractors, forklifts, boom lifts, UTVs, and power tools.
• Foster a culture of safety and ensure adherence to all PRT safety policies and procedures.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of the Seed Orchards in Alabama.
• Recordkeeping & Tracking: Maintain accurate records of seed processing activities and track progress against key production and timeline targets.
• Collaborate with the Seed Sourcing & Processing Manager on:
  • Developing annual capital plans and budgets
  • Developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Managing and reporting on contract labor crews
• Effectively communicate key findings and improvement ideas to management.
• Work with internal and…