Employer American Forests Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills These jobs will be responsible for development, planning, and application of cultural practices that support the health, diversity, and productivity of USDA Forest Service orchards, seed production areas (SPAs) and native plant production areas (NPPAs) . In partnership with the USDA Forest Service, this position will be responsible for the management of orchards, SPAs, NPPAs and associated resources (e.g. roads, gates, fencing), facilities, and equipment on the GRMAs .The Orchard Manager’s responsibility will be to maintain the health, diversity, and productivity of the orchards, SPAs and NPPAs and the of harvest and delivery of high quality, genetically diverse and site appropriate, seed and plant material to the Forest Service to support reforestation initiatives on National Forests. Management of several different tree species (e.g., conifer and hardwood), and native plants will require implementing different processes to accomplish seed and plant material production objectives. Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, horticulture, botany, or a related field, or equivalent professional experienceAt least 3 years of experience in orchard management, forestry nursery operations, silviculture, or seed production. Knowledge of genetic resources and seed orchard management, forest genetics and tree improvement methods, and forestry, silviculture, and nursery procedures. Skills needed to safely operate a tractor, skid steer, mowers, bucket trucks and lifts, ATVs, UTVs, hand tools, and other equipment. Experience independently planning, coordinating, and overseeing work plans. Adaptive mindset and ability to navigate work situations with high complexity. In-depth understanding of conventional techniques and practices to manage and grow improved trees. Strong communications skills and ability to communicate regularly with USDA Forest Service partners. Ability to perform field work that requires walking, standing, stooping, and bending up to eight hours per day. It also requires lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.Willingness to work 80% outdoors with exposure to all types of weather. Strong organizational skills with experience managing field crews and multiple projects simultaneously.Proficiency in using field data collection tools and ArcGIS Pro software.Basic data management and record keeping skills Valid driver’s license and ability to acquire a USDA driver’s license Job Field: Forestry Job Type: Full Time Location Detail: On-site- Francis Marion National Forest, Huger, South Carolina On-site- Ocala National Forest, Ocala, Florida On-site- De Soto National Forest, Brooklyn, Mississippi On-site- Kisatchie National Forest, Bently, Louisiana Salary: 56,000-76,000 Job Benefits: Medical, Dental, & VisionVacation & Sick Leave401(k) with MatchEmployee Assistance ProgramPaid HolidaysFlexible Spending AccountsDisability InsuranceParental Bonding LeaveTechnology StipendLife and AD&D InsuranceBereavement LeavePet BenefitsMilitary Leave Application Deadline: Wed, 04/01/2026 - 12:00pm Link to Full Job Posting: https://www.americanforests.org/job-opportunities/
