Summer Forest Genetics Internship

Company Description

Who are we:

At PRT, we believe in being the stewards of growth and renewal for generations to come. Our Mission is to provide the most trusted growing services, best suited to the needs of our customers, and we achieve that by putting our customers first while always respecting our employees. PRT is the largest commercial-scale growing provider in North America for a wide range of high-quality forestry seedling species. PRT has the capacity to grow and sell more than 630 million seedlings annually, at its 28 nursery locations across Canada & USA and we owe our success to our employees. By joining PRT you will become part of a team of people that grows trees for our future forests!

Job Description

A Day in the Life:

We are currently recruiting for a Full-time Summer Forest Genetics Internship to supports the day-to-day operations of the Genetic Services department. This position will support the company’s internal and cooperative-associated breeding, testing, and selection programs. The Summer Internship will participate in carrying out management activities in seed orchards, assist in tree improvement research activities, and gain exposure to the company’s operational nurseries. Top objectives for this role include adherence to PRT’s safety policies and practices, activities management, and technical training. Throughout the internship, this position will be exposed and participate directly in southern pine seed orchard, tree improvement, and nursery activities, such as pinecone analysis, greenhouse work, mowing/ bush hogging, fertilization, monumentation, mapping, flagging, and pesticide applications. At the completion of this internship, this position will have a complete understanding of the operational activities surrounding southern pine seed and seedling production.

Key Accountabilities of the Summer Internship include:

• Assist in planning and implementing orchard/ nursery management activities and maintain detailed records
• Take part in site preparation and application of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
• Participate in tree improvement research activities
• Operate and maintain orchard equipment such as tractors, forklift, aerial boom lift, UTVs, chainsaws, and power tools.
• Maintain service records
• Observe orchard/ nursery facilities ensuring good housekeeping

About the team:

This position is part of a team of Orchard Specialists and will report to the Eastern Seed Orchard Manager. Lead by the VP Production Southeast & Forest Genetic Services. Our Forest Services Team is also comprised of a Western Orchard team reporting into our Seed Operations Manager.

Qualifications

Our Leadership Competencies:

• BUILD TRUST AND CONFIDENCE
• FOSTER COLLABORATION
• CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY TO ACHIEVE GOALS
• INSPIRE INNOVATION AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Enough about us, let’s talk about you:

Required/Minimum Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in ongoing education under the Forestry and Natural Resources umbrella
• Knowledge of current silvicultural techniques including site preparation and herbicide applications.
• Ability to communicate tactfully, efficiently and effectively with all levels of staff and external parties, both written and verbal.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Intermediate level skills with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Work, Outlook)
• Great organizational and record keeping skills
• Strong work ethic and ability to work well in a team
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Familiarity and mechanical skill with farm equipment and tractors a plus

Additional Information

Compensation and Benefits:

At PRT, we believe in unconditional success through people. We strive to be the place where people can sow their career and grow with us. Other components of our total rewards offering include:

• A supportive team structured environment, a strong safety culture, and a commitment to the environment.
• Room to grow - Learning and growing is built into every role here. At PRT, you’ll get mentorship and acknowledgment for helping our business grow.
• Competitive wage matching your level of experience and ability.
• Career support and development in conifer seedling production.
• Collaboration and teamwork - Innovation doesn’t know hierarchy. We make sure everyone is heard, considered and respected.
• Green Culture - Our PRT nurseries and seed orchards are vibrant and fun communities with employees who share a strong passion for the nature solutions we provide to our earth and doing their part in regenerating the forests of North America.