Tree Improvement Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title
Forestry Nursery Operations Coordinator I
Agency
Texas A&M Forest Service
Department
Tree Improvement & Nurseries Department
Proposed Minimum Salary
$5,083.34 monthly
Job Location
Kirbyville, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
The Texas A&M Forest Service is looking for a highly qualified, experienced manager for its seed orchard operations in East Texas. The Forestry Nursery Operations Coordinator will be housed at the Magnolia Springs Seed Orchard, near Kirbyville, TX. They will direct the planning and performance of field activities in the agency's pine tree improvement programs. They will manage operational budgets and facilitate purchases for vehicle and equipment maintenance. They will also work with the Tree Improvement Department Head to install and graft new pine and hardwood orchards and coordinate staff support for tree improvement operations not related to the seed orchard. **This posting will close on June 26, 2026.**
Responsibilities:
-Complete the daily operation of the agency's pine tree improvement program to include the following:
1) Schedule and supervise the activities of seed orchard and three on-site Resource Specialists. Coordinate related activities with tree improvement staff in College Station.
2) Administer contracts as the need arises for various management activities such as orchard fertilization, cone and seed insect control and cone harvests.
3) Oversee the grafting, maintenance and management of various pine and hardwood seed orchards for the agency production orchard program.
4) Oversee the breeding and progeny testing program of the agency by coordinating the grafting and maintenance of scion banks, site preparation, design and planting of progeny tests.
5) Establish, maintain and measure research plots at various locations across the state.
- Maintain computer records on the seed orchard and breeding program.
-Perform routine maintenance of equipment, facilities and vehicles.
-Manage and account for agency credit cards in accordance with all applicable laws, policies, rules, procedures and guidelines.
-Other duties as assigned.
Benefits: Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce. Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
Education and Experience:
Required Education: Bachelor's of Science in Biological Sciences or the equivalent of five (5) years experience in an applied tree improvement program.
Preferred Education: Master's of Science in Biological Sciences
Required Experience: Familiarity with agriculture, horticulture or forest management. Excellent leadership and personnel management skills. Minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience.
Preferred Experience: Experience in an applied tree improvement program. Demonstrated tree improvement skills in grafting and control pollination techniques.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Required Knowledge: Knowledge of farming principles. Working knowledge of tree improvement activities such as grafting, pollination, seed collection and test measurement.
Preferred Knowledge: Microsoft Office programs
Required Skills: Strong organizational skills. Leadership. Good oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Personnel development.
Required Abilities: Operate a wide variety of agricultural equipment including but not limited to: aerial lifts, tractors, trailers and power saws. Ability to maintain computer-based tree improvement records. Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Preferred Abilities: Communicate effectively and work with a variety of internal and external groups. Ability to plan and carry out programmatic tasks with minimal supervision. Demonstrated abilities to manage budgets and equipment inventories.
Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required: Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days employment. Pesticide Applicators License or the ability to obtain on within 90 days of employment.
Applicant Instructions:
Resume, cover letter and transcript (if applicable) are REQUIRED to be uploaded to application. References are required to be entered in the secondary questionnaire section of the application. Certifications are preferred to be uploaded to the application. Documents/certifications can be uploaded in the "My Experience" page in the "Resume/CV section. More than one document can be uploaded; just click the "Upload" button for each document. Documents can only be loaded at this time and cannot be uploaded once the application is submitted. If there are any issues uploading documents, please contact 979-458-6690. Please check your spam folder in case more information is sent in regards to this position.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.