Orchard Manager, Ocala GRMA

Our Mission in Action

Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all. To support this work, we are looking for a Ocala GRMA Orchard Manager to join our Resilient Forests team.

What You’ll Do

The Ocala GRMA Orchard Manager is a full-time position responsible for development, planning, and application of cultural practices that support the health and productivity of USDA Forest Service orchards, seed production areas (SPAs) and native plant production areas (NPPAs) located at the Ocala Genetic Resource Management Areas (GRMA) on the National Forests of Florida, Ocala National Forest. 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 Ocala GRMA. The Orchard Manager’s responsibility will be to maintain the health of the orchards, SPAs and NPPAs; to produce and harvest high quality, genetically diverse and site appropriate seed and plant material, and deliver these materials 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. 

Major responsibilities include:

Management of Seed Orchards and Seed Production Areas (70-85%) 

• Managing orchards, seed production areas, native plant production areas at the Ocala GRMA.
• Managing orchards to produce cone and acorn crops, monitoring phenology, collecting, processing and shipping cones and acorns.
• Managing seed orchard health and productivity. 
• Control of orchard understory and dead tree removal. 
• Application of herbicides and pesticides.
• Operation and maintenance of tractor & skid steer with implements, tree shaker, lift boom and other heavy equipment.
• Contracting and coordinating orchard operations such as thinning, road maintenance, and fencing. 
• Assisting with writing genetic management strategies.
• Application of fertilization regimes to meet project objectives.
• Monitoring for insect and disease damage, determining treatment options, and implementing treatments.
• Establishing new seed orchard plantings.
• Propagating and cultivating plant species used in revegetation projects (e.g., wiregrass, eel grass). 
• Collecting and grafting of scion to rootstock and out-planting. 
• Establishing and maintaining tree conservation plantings. 
• Collecting soil or foliar samples for nutrient analysis and interpreting results.
• Collecting, maintaining, and managing data gathered on orchard trees and cone crops.
• Recording growth and phenology measurements. 
• Managing facilities and equipment associated with seed orchards. 
• Assisting the USDA Forest Service in developing work plans for the GRMA and production or quality standards. 
• Maintaining and updating Seed Orchard Management Plan and Seed Orchard Technical Training Guides.
• Mapping and tagging trees in the orchard.
• Creation of annual reports outlining orchard activities and accomplishments

Management of Progeny Field Tests (0 - 15%)

• Managing progeny field tests in partnership with USDA Forest Service silviculturists.
• Maintaining and monitoring for damaging agents and determining the need for control methods.
• Monitoring growth for cone production.
• Monitoring insects and diseases or other genetically controlled damaging agents.
• Collecting soil and foliage samples.

Partnership & Coordination (10%)

• Serving as the on-site liaison between American Forests and the USDA Forest Service.
• Coordinating closely with Forest Service staff, including regional geneticist, zone geneticist, and silviculturists, to align seed production goals with regional and national priorities.
• Submitting timely progress reports, data summaries, and documentation, as needed.
• Participating in regional meetings and events as needed to support reforestation and seed strategy goals
• Participating in training and safety meetings
• Maintaining compliance with environmental guidelines.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%):

• Reviewing, recommending, and initiating development activities at the GRMA in cooperation with the Regional Geneticist. Preparing presentations and/or reports to explain overall genetic resource management and seed orchards. 
• Assisting with developing budgetary needs.
• Co-hosting seed orchard management workshops.
• Assisting American Forests’ staff in the delivery of relevant in-person meetings, conferences, and events.
• Conducting public presentations at conferences and meetings.
• Planning and leading site visits and field tours as appropriate.

What We’re Looking For

We don’t expect you to check every single box. If this role excites you, we want to hear from you! We’re interested in your ability to learn, collaborate, and bring fresh perspectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, horticulture, botany, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• At 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 75% 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Familiarity with USDA Forest Service handbooks, manuals, land use plans, and guides. 
• Familiarity with Southeastern Forest ecosystems and reforestation techniques. 
• Knowledge of management principles and practices related to program and workforce. 

Reporting and Supervision

The Orchard Manager will work under the supervision of American Forests’ Senior Manager, Southeast Forest Genetics and in close coordination with USDA Forest Service. The Orchard Manager may supervise seasonal or permanent American Forests staff, including technician-level positions. The Orchard Manager will also engage regional partners including, but not limited to, state forestry agencies, state wildlife agencies, forestry consultants, contractors, private companies, nonprofit organizations, and other public and private landowners as appropriate.

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid position based on-site at the Ocala GRMA on the Ocala National Forest in Florida. The work will take place primarily in outdoor, forested environments (75%), with some administrative tasks performed on site or at the nearby Ranger District office or remotely (25%). Exposure to hot, cold, or wet conditions is to be expected. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices will be required. A vehicle will be provided for regular travel within the GRMA for field work and periodic travel to meetings and conferences. The Orchard Manager will be provided with necessary equipment and support from both American Forests and the USDA Forest Service. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to support individuals across the full range of abilities and experiences in performing the essential functions of the job

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position. The budgeted salary range is between $56,000 and $76,000. Our benefits package includes:

• Health and Wellness
• Work-Life Balance
• Financial and Retirement
• Medical, Dental, & Vision
• Vacation & Sick Leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Disability Insurance
• Parental Bonding Leave
• Technology Stipend
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Bereavement Leave
• Pet Benefits
• Military Leave

About Us

American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to large forest landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal, and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for over 150 years. 

American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member. 

American Forests is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+ Encouraged to Apply

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.