Seasonal Forestry & Seed Production Technician

Turn outdoor work into a career that helps grow the forests of tomorrow. Tree Nurseries is looking for a dependable, hands-on team member to support seed orchard care and seasonal seed-processing operations at the Parkindale Seed Orchard. 

This is a 6-month term position with the possibility of extension. It is a great opportunity to gain practical forestry experience while contributing to sustainable forest renewal with J.D. Irving, Limited.

Why This Role Matters 

Seed orchard work is an important part of building healthy, resilient forests. In this role, you will support tree care, controlled pollination, cone collection, and seed preparation while learning how high-quality seed moves from orchard to storage.

Responsibilities

What You Will Do 

• Care for the orchard: Complete pruning, planting, mowing, weed trimming, and other activities that promote healthy tree growth. 
• Support pollination work: Assist with controlled mass pollination as part of the tree-breeding program. 
• Collect cones: Gather cones from selected trees to support high-quality seed production for future forestry operations. 
• Work safely at heights: Climb and work at elevated positions of up to 80 feet while following established safety procedures. On-site training will be provided. 
• Assist with day-to-day operations: Help with a range of outdoor and operational tasks that keep the seed orchard running safely and efficiently. 

Winter Seed-Processing Work 

• During the winter season, the role shifts to indoor seed extraction and processing using specialized equipment, including kilns and tumblers. Responsibilities may include:

• Drying cones in kilns so they open and release their seeds. 
• Using tumblers to separate seeds from cones. 
• Removing debris and seed wings through scalping, air, and water processes. 
• Screening and sizing seeds by weight and size. 
• Rinsing, sanitizing, and surface-drying seeds to help maintain quality and reduce mold risk. 
• Weighing, labelling, inventorying, and storing seed in cold conditions. 
• Supporting stratification and germination testing to confirm seed viability. 

Qualifications

What You Bring 

• Education: A high school diploma is required. Current or completed studies in forestry are considered an asset. 
• Experience: Previous experience is not required. Outdoor labour, tree care, agriculture, landscaping, or forestry experience would be an asset. 
• Work style: A strong work ethic, reliability, attention to safety, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. 
• Physical requirements: Comfort working outdoors in changing weather, working at heights, operating around machinery, and lifting up to 50 pounds when required. 

• Transportation: Reliable transportation is required. A valid Class 5 driver’s licence is preferred. 

What You Will Gain 

• Hands-on experience in forestry, seed production, tree care, and orchard operations. 
• Practical training and opportunities to build skills for future roles in forestry and environmental operations. 
• A varied work environment that includes both outdoor orchard work and indoor seed-processing activities. 
• Competitive compensation while contributing to sustainable forestry and future forest growth. 

Ready to Help Grow the Forests of Tomorrow? 

• Apply today to join the Parkindale Seed Orchard team as a Seasonal Forestry & Seed Production Technician and build experience in work that makes a lasting environmental impact.

Grow skills. Grow forests. Grow your future.