Forestry Careers at ArborGen

ArborGen’s Internship Program offers a full-spectrum learning experience across forestry, nursery operations, orchard management, and product development. Interns gain hands-on exposure to every stage of the seedling supply chain—from genetic research and field trials, to seed production, grafting, nursery cultivation, equipment operation, and sustainability practices. You’ll work alongside experienced forestry, agriculture, and R&D professionals while supporting real-world projects that impact reforestation, environmental stewardship, and long-term forest productivity.

Throughout the program, interns may assist with seedling production, plant care, pest and disease identification, herbicide and insecticide applications, mass control pollination, cone harvesting, scion collection, lift truck and heavy-equipment operation, research and data collection, and technical support for nurseries, orchards, and the sales team. This comprehensive structure is designed to develop practical skills, broaden industry knowledge, and provide meaningful insight into career paths across forestry, horticulture, agriculture, and natural resources.

• Company: Interaction with peers within department and also department managers. 

Must be entering junior or senior year and pursuing a degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Horticulture or Natural Resource Management etc. and have a GPA of 3.0 or above.

This is a four-week program with rotations across multiple ArborGen locations, so travel will be required. Interns will receive hourly pay plus a housing stipend to help offset lodging costs. While interns are responsible for securing their own accommodations, ArborGen will offer support and guidance where possible to make the process easier.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required and the responsibilities of the position may change.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

• Direct the operations of the nursery to ensure the production of the highest quality genetic seedlings by leading, empowering and administering high performance teams to consistently supply customers with quality service and on time
• Direct the delivery of seedlings to customers by coordinating logistics with haulers and other AG nurseries.
• Assure key performance measures are met by developing and communicating an aggressive business strategy that sets high standards of customer satisfaction, operational excellence and personnel
• Ensure a safe work place by providing leadership in safety and environmental efforts and monitoring and training individual employees to commit to safety and to the safety of their
• Prepare, manage, and forecast expense budgets for the Bullard Nursery and MS Coolers.
• Always direct the management of seedling inventory to ensure accurate quantities are made available for customer Communicate regular inventory updates.
• Direct order processing (orders and invoicing) for accuracy and timeliness in SAP.
• Foster an environment that encourages, supports and rewards continuous improvement.
• Implement workable Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and use the data to manage the nursery.
• Implement new technology as appropriate.
• Mange seed stratification, treatment, and distribution for the western nurseries.

The incumbent will be expected to interact daily with direct reports and with peers in the immediate work group. Regular interaction with peers in other groups across the company as related to common targets such as accounting / budgets. Frequent interaction with Western Nursery Lead.  Frequent interaction with ArborGen Reforestation Advisors and Sales management. Occasional collaboration and interaction with Product Development and technical sales support teams. Participation in outside conferences and symposia.

BS or MS degree in Forestry, Agronomy, related science or equivalent experience, with an understanding of and experience in forestry and nurseries and orchards. Candidate must have a strong administration ability to include budgeting, strategic planning, sales and marketing, personnel management and safety.

Certifications: 

Must have a  valid driver’s license. Candidate must obtain, a pesticide applicators license within six (6) months of hire date.

This is sedentary to medium work exerting up to 40 pounds of force; work may involve climbing, stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping; worker is subject to inside and outside environment, noise, vibration, working hazards, fumes, odors, dust, gasses and chemicals; visual acuity is required for experiments; requires hearing sufficient to perceive noises for diagnostic purposes. May require work in the field such as planting, measuring, and harvesting small or large tree stocks.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required and the responsibilities of the position may change.