Employer: American Forests

Location: Murphy, NC

Application deadline: Position is open until filled.

Full position description and application instructions As a part of the team, you will be responsible for assisting the USDA Forest Service's Orchard Manager with the development, planning, and application of cultural practices that support health and productivity of seed orchard and seed production areas located at the Beech Creek Genetic Resource Management Areas (GRMA) on the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina and the Chilhowee GRMA located on the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee. In partnership with the USDA Forest Service, this position will assist USDA Forest Service staff ensure the effective maintenance, production, and record-keeping of trees and native plants to support reforestation and restoration initiatives on National Forests across the Southeast. Several different tree species (e.g., conifer and hardwood) and native plants, are involved, requiring implementing different schemes to accomplish seed production objectives. Specific responsibilities include:

• Maintenance and Improvement- Seed Orchards and Seed Production Areas (85%)
• Partnership & Coordination (5%)
•  
  Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

Read full details at the link above.

Employer: American Forests

Location: SC, FL, LA, and MS

Positions available: 4

Status: Full-time

Application deadline: Rolling

Full position description and application instructions We are currently hiring four Orchard Manager positions in SC, FL, LA, and MS to support our work to increase reforestation capacity with the USDA Forest Service across Region 8. These are full-time, salaried positions working in partnership with the USDA Forest Service to manage seed orchards, seed production areas, and native plant production at genetic resource management areas (GRMAs) on National Forest System lands. Seed produced from these sites will be used to support reforestation and revegetation initiatives across National Forests in the region. This role is a great fit for candidates with backgrounds in tree improvement, forest genetics, forestry, silviculture, horticulture, nursery operations, or natural resource management who are passionate about hands-on conservation work. The budgeted salary range is $56,000–$76,000, with a strong benefits package. Key Responsibilities include:

• Management of Seed Orchards and Seed Production Areas
• Management of Progeny Field Tests
• Partnership & Coordination
• Other Duties as Assigned
• And more!

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.

Employer: Virginia Tech, Agriculture & Life Sciences

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Status: Full-time

Application deadline: April 26, 2026

Full position description and application instructions

The Department Head will provide visionary leadership in establishing priorities for the department in the context of the strategic initiatives and stakeholder needs of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. They will maintain a commitment to shared governance and collaboration with on and off campus faculty; foster interdisciplinary and interagency cooperation; actively participate in student recruitment and education and in recruitment of new faculty and staff; encourage professional development, evaluation, and promotion of faculty and staff; prepare and manage departmental budgets; coordinate the deployment of new faculty and staff into modern laboratory facilities; foster and promote an environment conducive to faculty obtaining new grants, contracts and gifts. In addition, the Department Head will be responsible for building on a collegial culture of collaboration with other departments, colleges and university centers/institutes, governmental agencies, alumni, and commodity groups. It is strongly desired that the successful candidate participates in teaching, research, and/or extension activities.

Required Qualifications: 

• An earned doctorate in entomology, biology, ecology or related discipline (interdisciplinary training or experience desirable)
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage resources and a commitment to financial transparency
• Credentials sufficient for appointment as a tenured full professor, including an internationally recognized level of academic achievement, active research program and demonstrated record of successful grantsmanship
• Team building skills with evidence of effective group leadership at a departmental level, including strong record of graduate student training
• Demonstrated effectiveness in personnel management, interpersonal communication, and consensus building
• Demonstrated experience in assessing priorities and the implementation of strategic planning in a multidisciplinary environment
• And more…