Senior Manager, South Oregon Seed Orchard

Join to apply for the Senior Manager, South Central Oregon Seed Orchard role at American Forests

This range is provided by American Forests. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$60,000.00/yr - $80,000.00/yr

Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate‑resilient future for all.

As part of the team, you will collaborate with local partners to develop quality, climate‑adapted seed to support restoration efforts in fire‑prone, dry forests of Oregon and Northern California. The Senior Manager will be responsible for the comprehensive planning, development, establishment, and ongoing management of a new, 60+ acre conifer seed orchard and requires experience in forest genetics, horticulture, and project management, with a strong emphasis on species adapted to dry, east‑side climates of Oregon and Northern California.

The Senior Manager will lead all aspects of orchard development, ensuring the production of high‑quality, genetically diverse seed for future reforestation programs. The successful candidate will build and maintain partnerships with federal, local, state, private, and tribal entities to support reforestation initiatives. Seed sources will include Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, Whitebark Pine, Sugar Pine, and Incense Cedar.

Major responsibilities include:

• Planning and Development (Initial Phase)
  • Orchard Site Assessment
    • Conduct site evaluations, including soil analysis, irrigation systems, logistical considerations, and identify necessary steps to begin implementation of seed orchard
    • Conduct minor repairs or general maintenance/upkeep
  • Orchard Design and Layout
    • Develop orchard design with landowners and foresters, including blocks for different species, irrigation layout, and potential for greenhouse development
  • Seed Selection and Propagation
    • Select appropriate parent source material best suited for dry site conditions, climate resilience, and geographic locations
    • Develop and implement strategies for initial plant material acquisition, grafting, and establishment of orchard trees
  • Budget and Resource Planning
    • Develop detailed budgets, procure necessary equipment and supplies, and manage resources effectively during the establishment phase
  • Infrastructure Development
    • Oversee the planning and implementation of all necessary infrastructure, including irrigation, power, and specialized equipment for orchard operations
• Orchard Management and Operations (Ongoing)
  • Operational Activities
    • Graft and crown maintenance, planting, application of chemicals to control weeds and insects, pruning, maintenance and operation of irrigation systems, mowing, use of plant hormones to increase cone production, monitoring and adjusting application of fertilizers for tree nutrition as needed, frost protection, pollen management and oversight of the harvest of the cone crops
  • Genetic Integrity
    • Maintain records of tree parentage, genetic crosses, and orchard layout to ensure genetic integrity
  • Cone and Seed Production
    • Manage all aspects of cone collection, handling, storage and transportation logistics to extract seeds
  • Inventory Management
    • Maintain accurate inventory of seed, plant material, and orchard assets
  • Maintenance
    • Ensure proper operation and maintenance of all orchard equipment and facilities

• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Develop outreach strategy to engage underserved private landowners, including veterans, limited resource producers, beginning forest landowners (