Orchard Coordinator

Orchard Coordinator

At The Westervelt Company, we are stewards of the land. We believe in sustainable management, conservation and protection of our natural resources. We are committed to our core values of ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees, providing the highest quality products and services for our customers, and developing long-lasting relationships in the communities where we live and work.

We are searching for an experienced Orchard Coordinator at our Forest Resources Nursery/Seed Orchard facility in Eutaw, Alabama.

Responsible for leading The Westervelt Company's production of seed and breeding orchards, breeding program, and progeny test establishment. This position requires taking the lead in planning and prioritizing work schedules and working with minimum supervision while keeping the supervisor informed of plan progress and consulting on any unusual issues. Data management and reporting, plan management and reporting, time management, deadlines, and personal accountability and responsibility are critical to the success of the orchard operation.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
-Assist with the development of annual capital and expense budget for seed orchards and breeding program. Provide written and verbal justification as needed for budgets and programs.
-Manage the budget to accomplish all planned work within budget limits.
-Breeding & Seed Production Orchards: Create the annual work plan, manage the annual cone harvesting operations and annual production breeding operations. Regularly reporting the status of the plan to the supervisor.
-Breeding & Seed Production Orchards: Perform breeding activities on loblolly pine including grafting, cross-pollination and pollen collection.
-Perform general orchard maintenance including graft maintenance, monitoring flower and pollen production, herbicide and insecticide application, fertilization, irrigation, and bush-hogging for grass control.
-Breeding & Seed Production Orchards: Responsible for the establishment, maintenance, and measuring of seedling progeny tests.
-Perform required maintenance on irrigation system, greenhouse, pollen drying buildings, office and shop buildings and grounds maintenance. Arrange for external services as needed.
-Support container seedling operations as needed.
-Build and maintain culture of safety and continuous improvement in all operational activities and processes.
-Provide emergency call-out services as required.
-Plan for contract labor.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Horticulture or other biological science field required
• 3 to 4 years relevant experience
• Physically able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Able to work extended hours and work some weekends as needed
• Ability to operate and repair a tractor, bush hog, man lift, well pump and irrigation systems
• Self-motivated and detail oriented
• Ability to speak Spanish preferred
• Previous experience in tree improvement and seed orchard preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation

The base salary range for this position is $62,400 - $93,600. Actual base salary is based on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.