STO-RE 27R

The Team

The Skimikin Seed Orchard is an established and experienced team within the Ministry of Forests' Seed Production Section, working together to support healthy forests across B.C. As the Seed Orchard Manager, you'll lead a diverse group of seasonal and full-time staff—including technicians, machine operators, labourers, and cone pickers—with team size ranging from a core group of three to more than fifty during peak harvest. You'll also collaborate closely with other orchard managers, the Seed Orchard Pest Biologist, the Seed Production Manager, and partners in research, industry, and contracting. This team values inclusivity, respects different skills and backgrounds, and takes great pride in producing over 150 million seeds each year to support the province's reforestation efforts.

The Role

As the Seed Orchard Manager, you will lead a diverse team and ensure the orchard operates efficiently, safely, and respectfully, while supporting staff growth, hiring, labour relations, and year‑round workforce planning. You'll oversee daily orchard operations—from planting and irrigation to fertilization, crop collection, and pest management—and manage both operational and capital budgets. As part of the management team, you will also contribute to broader strategic planning that guides the future of seed production. This role has a direct impact on B.C.'s forests by supporting the delivery of seed for millions of trees each year, offering meaningful, varied work where inclusive leadership and strong relationships help grow the forests of tomorrow.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Forestry, science, or a natural resource management related field PLUS 2 years' of directly related experience* including supervising, leading, coaching and mentoring staff. OR
• Technical diploma in Forestry, science, or a natural resource management related field PLUS 3 years' of directly related experience* including supervising, leading, coaching and mentoring staff. OR
• Grade 12 plus other related training or courses and experience supervising, leading, coaching and mentoring staff, with a minimum of 4 years' directly related experience*

*Directly related experience is defined as:  supervising silviculture, tree planting, nursery operations, horticulture, landscape management, tree fruit orchard, agriculture, operational farm management or related field.

• A combination of equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Valid BC Class 5, 7N, or equivalent Driver's Licence (Class 7L is not considered equivalent).

Preference may be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following: 

• Directly related orchard experience including
• Tree improvement, including seed and pest management.
• Seed orchard operations and production (pollination, harvesting, induction etc.).
• Budget management
• Operational contract development and implementation 
• Working in a public sector environment

For questions regarding this position, please contact 

About this Position:

This position has full time on-site requirements.

An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.

A Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Criminal Record Review Act Check (CRRA) will be required.

Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Working for the BC Public Service:

The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

To learn more about these B.C communities you can click on the Hello BC link here

How to Apply:

Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you've worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation.

Cover Letter: YES - A cover letter is required as part of your application. The content and/or format of your cover letter may be evaluated as part of the assessment process.

Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.

Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.