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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 00238929 |
Description Activated On: 9/16/2026 2:49:29 PM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. Performs technical and operational work supporting forest tree seed testing, collection, processing, storage, and nursery seedling production. Conducts established seed testing procedures and maintains accurate seed quality, inventory, and production records used to support nursery operations. Participates in the establishment, maintenance, evaluation, and collection activities of forest tree seed orchards and other designated seed collection areas throughout the Commonwealth. Performs nursery production, field, equipment, and related activities and participates in research, demonstration, and process improvement projects under established procedures and direction. |
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Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. A. Seed Testing and Seed Quality -Performs established tests and procedures to evaluate forest tree seed lots for seed quantity, purity, moisture content, viability, and other specified quality characteristics. -Collects and prepares representative seed samples for testing and maintains appropriate identification and documentation throughout the testing process. -Records, calculates, and reports seed testing results accurately and in accordance with established procedures. -Maintains testing records and inventories and provides test results and other relevant information to appropriate nursery staff. -Identifies seed lots that do not meet established specifications and refers questionable or unusual results to the supervisor for review. -Assists with testing and evaluating new or modified seed handling, treatment, storage, and testing procedures as directed. B. Nursery Production and Operations -Performs seasonal nursery production activities including seedbed preparation, sowing, seedling inventories, crop maintenance, lifting, grading, processing, packaging, and shipment of nursery stock. -Operates tractors, nursery seeders, and other agricultural and nursery equipment as assigned and trained. -Monitors nursery beds and crops and reports observations concerning germination seedling development, weeds, pests, disease, environmental conditions, and other factors affecting production. -Performs hand weeding and other cultural practices necessary to maintain nursery beds and produce quality seedlings. -Assists with nursery production trials and evaluates assigned treatments or practices according to established procedures. -Collects and records production information used to evaluate crop performance and nursery production. C. Seed Orchards and Seed Collection -Performs routine maintenance and assigned cultural practices in forest tree seed orchards. -Conducts field scouting to identify seed crops, assess collection opportunities, and document orchard and tree conditions. -Collects forest tree seed from designated orchards and other approved collection areas. -Cleans, processes, labels, inventories, and stores collected seed according to established procedures. -Maintains accurate records identifying seed source, species, collection location, collection date, quantity, and other required information. -Travels to seed orchards and collection locations throughout the Commonwealth independently to perform scouting, collection, monitoring, maintenance, and related activities. -Assists with grafting and other propagation activities associated with establishment and maintenance of seed orchards. -Reports observations regarding tree health, seed production, orchard condition, and collection opportunities to appropriate staff. D. Research, Evaluation, and Process Improvement -Participates in assigned research, demonstration, and developmental projects related to seed testing, seed handling, seed and seedling storage, and nursery production. -Collects samples, measurements, observations, and other data according to established project procedures. -Maintains accurate records of project activities and results. -Assists with evaluating nursery practices, equipment, materials, and procedures to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, production, and seedling quality. -Reports observations, test results, and project findings to the supervisor or appropriate technical staff. E. Pest Management and Safety -Applies pesticides to nursery crops, greenhouse plants, seed orchards, and field plots in accordance with pesticide labels, applicable laws and regulations, and established Bureau procedures. -Maintains required pesticide applicator certification and completes required continuing education and annual training. -Properly handles, transports, stores, mixes, applies, and disposes of pesticides and related materials in accordance with applicable requirements. -Uses required personal protective equipment and follows established safety procedures when performing pesticide applications and other hazardous work. -Recognizes and reports potential pest, disease, environmental, or crop health concerns to the supervisor/manager. F. Facility, Grounds, and Equipment Support -Performs routine maintenance and upkeep of nursery grounds, facilities, work areas, equipment, and infrastructure as assigned. -Assists with seasonal preparation, maintenance, and repair activities necessary to maintain safe and functional nursery operations. -Identifies equipment, facility, or infrastructure problems and reports conditions requiring specialized repair or maintenance. -Operates and maintains assigned equipment in accordance with established procedures and manufacturer recommendations. -Maintains work areas, tools, equipment, and materials in a safe and orderly condition. G. Outreach, Training, and Cooperative Activities -Assists with nursery tours, demonstrations, training programs, workshops, and other educational activities involving nursery production and forest tree seed operations. -Prepares equipment, materials, samples, demonstrations, and informational resources for training and outreach activities. -Provides factual information to Bureau personnel, cooperating agencies, forest districts, and members of the public regarding general nursery, seed handling, seed testing, and seed production practices. -Participates in cooperative projects with Bureau staff, other agencies, educational institutions, and other partners as assigned. -Represents the nursery in a professional manner when interacting with visitors, cooperating organizations, vendors, forest districts, and the public. H. Miscellaneous Duties -Participates as a crew member on assigned wildland fire incidents in accordance with Bureau policies, training requirements, qualifications, and incident command procedures. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. Selects appropriate tools, equipment, materials, and established procedures to complete assigned nursery, seed testing, seed collection, seed orchard, and related activities. Makes routine operational decisions regarding the sequence and methods used to complete assigned work based on established procedures, training, and current conditions. Evaluates routine problems encountered during seed testing, nursery production, seed collection, equipment operation, and field activities and takes appropriate corrective action within established guidelines. Recognizes unusual or potentially significant conditions affecting seed quality, seedling production, equipment, safety, or project results and refers them to the supervisor or appropriate technical staff. Determines when assigned work has been completed according to established procedures and communicates results, observations, and unusual conditions to the supervisor. Identifies and communicates opportunities for improvement in work methods, equipment use, and production practices based on observations and experience. Refers decisions involving changes to established technical procedures, unusual seed testing results, significant production problems, regulatory concerns, major expenditures, or matters requiring specialized scientific or genetic analysis to the supervisor or appropriate higher-level technical staff. |
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Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Knowledge of basic forestry principles, forest tree identification, seed collection, and nursery practices. Such knowledge may be acquired through formal education in forestry, natural resources, or a related field; hands-on forestry experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. OTHER 2. Class C Driver's License 3. N/A 4. N/A 5. N/A 6. N/A |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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