Western Seed Orchard Specialist

Company Description

WHO WE ARE:

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

Job Description

Western Seed Orchard Specialist

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

Join PRT as a Western Seed Orchard Specialist in DeRidder, Louisiana, where you'll be actively shaping the landscape of tomorrow by participating in the management of seed orchards that produce top-quality, genetically improved southern pine seed. This hands-on role includes orchard establishment and maintenance, grafting, fertilizer and herbicide application, controlled mass pollination (CMP) production, and cone harvest, with up to 40% travel and opportunities to bring fresh ideas to our operations.

What will YOU be doing as an Western Seed Orchard Specialist?

As a Western Seed Orchard Specialist, you’ll contribute directly to the future of our forests through hands-on work in orchard care, seed production, and team collaboration. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Orchard Operations: Support Controlled Mass Pollination (CMP) and the development of cone crops through routine care and maintenance of seed orchards.
• Equipment Handling: Safely operate a range of equipment, including tractors, forklifts, boom lifts, UTVs, and power tools.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams and external partners to achieve production and research goals efficiently and safely.
• Recordkeeping & Tracking: Maintain accurate records of orchard activities and track progress against key production and timeline targets.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute ideas and embrace innovation to help improve safety, efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
• Communication & Culture: Foster strong working relationships by communicating with honesty, respect, and a spirit of teamwork.

Qualifications

What YOU bring to the table

You’re a dynamic and driven professional who brings technical skill, field experience, and a collaborative mindset to support and strengthen our seed orchard operations.

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in horticulture, agriculture, or forestry, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills that ensures clarity and alignment across all aspects of operations.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to support informed decision-making.
• Proficiency with digital tools including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Geographic Information system (GIS).
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and adapt in a dynamic work environment.
• Confidence working independently or as part of a team environment.
• Practical skills in operating and maintaining equipment, including tractors, UTVs, and tools for safe pesticide and fertilizer application.
• Reliability and flexibility, with a willingness to work full-time—including wee