Tree Improvement Specialist
- Full-time
- Department: Genetics (USA)
Company Description
Who are we:
At PRT, we believe in the being the stewards of growth and renewal for generations to come. We take this belief seriously and it reflects in our cultural expectation to safely produce the most competitive forest seedling solutions and services for our clients. PRT is the largest provider in North America for a wide range of high-quality forestry seedling species. PRT has the capacity to produce more than 630 million seedlings annually for the forests of tomorrow at its 28 nursery locations across Canada & the USA. Be part of a team of people that grows careers and trees for our future forests! Our cultural journey values the behavioral attributes of drive, the relentless pursuit to deliver exceptional results, and exceptional performance expectations which fosters a people first mindset, resolve to be the best while first being our best to each other, and a commitment to make right versus make do. Actions over words, results over promises, people over production.
Job Description
A Day in the Life:
PRT is seeking a full-time, Tree Improvement Specialist to be based in Moultrie, GA at PRT Moultrie. This position will support the Company’s internal and cooperative-associated breeding, testing, and selection programs. PRT Seedlings operates bareroot and containerized seedling nurseries across the South and markets seedlings of loblolly, slash, longleaf, and other southern pines. PRT’s Seedlings’ loblolly, slash, and longleaf tree improvement programs ensure seed orchards are established with germplasm of the highest genetic quality available. This position will require up to 40% overnight travel. Creativity and innovation are welcomed to help look for ideas that make the Company operations and procedures more efficient and effective.
Key Accountabilities of the Tree Improvement Specialist:
- Strategic breeding of elite pine selections (bagging, pollination, and pollen collection)
- Grafting
- Progeny test seedling production
- Progeny test installation and maintenance
- Cone collection and seed processing
- Research trial measurement
- Data input and inventory management
- Encourage innovation and continuous improvement
- Promote collaboration and teamwork at all levels
- Communicate with honesty, kindness and respect
- Set targets (i.e., production, timelines) and evaluate achievement
About the team:
Reporting to the Tree Improvement Manger, the Tree Improvement Specialist will work with 2 other Specialists Lead by the VP Production Southeast & Forest Genetic Services. Our Forest Service Team is also comprised of a Western & Eastern Orchard team reporting into our Seed Operations Manager.
Qualifications
Enough about us, let’s talk about you:
Required/Minimum Qualifications & Skills:
- A bachelor’s degree or diploma in horticulture, agriculture, or forestry, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience with forest tree or plant breeding and testing
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
- Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, and Geographic Information system
- Strong multi-tasking, prioritizing and time management skills
- Ability to work alone and collaboratively in a team environment
- Proper equipment operation and maintenance including fertilizer, and pesticide application, tractors, chainsaw and UTVs
Our Leadership Competencies:
- BUILD TRUST AND CONFIDENCE
- FOSTER COLLABORATION
- CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY TO ACHIEVE GOALS
- INSPIRE INNOVATION AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
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:
- Competitive hourly wage matching your level of experience and ability
- 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.
- Work-Life Balance – We’re proud to offer flexible paid time off for our employees
- Comprehensive Coverage - Our benefits include comprehensive healthcare, matching 401k, Employee and Family Assistance Plan, and education stipends.
- 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.
Next Steps:
We embrace diversity, equity and inclusion for innovation and growth. We promote equality of opportunity and seek different perspectives to challenge conventional approaches and continuously improve our company’s performance and progress. We believe that diversity and inclusion help us drive innovation, make better decisions, achieve effective stewardship of our business, and enable our people to thrive. We encourage you to connect with us at [email protected] for more information about our accessible workplace, including disability accommodations for the recruitment process and beyond.
To apply please send your resume directly to us through our career portal at; Grow Your Career | PRT Growing Services Ltd.
Follow us on Instagram: @TrustedToGrow, @IFCOSeedlings or
Facebook: @PRTGrowingServices
LinkedIn: @PRTGrowingServices, @IFCOSeedlings
#letsgrowtogether