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Germplasm Development Research Specialist

Employer
Weyerhaeuser
Location
Sylvania, Georgia, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jul 23, 2021

View more

Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Development
Discipline
Forestry
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
At Weyerhaeuser, our focus is as much on building our people as building our business. We are committed to creating an environment where individuals can flourish, diversities encouraged, and communities supported. We are one of the premier integrated forest products organizations in the world. At Weyerhaeuser, we are always looking for people who can contribute, grow, think, and create! Our associates are the real reason we have been in business for over 120 years. Their skill and ingenuity have made Weyerhaeuser one of the largest and premium timber, land, and forest products company in the world.
Find out more about Weyerhaeuser at www.weyerhaeuser.com and learn our Story here: https://youtu.be/c2R_lQ7wo0A
Weyerhaeuser Timberland's Tree Improvement organization is seeking a well-qualified, experienced Germplasm Development Research Specialist based out of Oliver Tree Improvement Centre which is approximately 18 miles from Sylvania Georgia. To know more about the city of Sylvania https://www.cityofsylvaniaga.com
General Description
The primary responsibility of the Germplasm Development Research Specialist role involves coordinating the breeding strategy for the improvement of advanced generation base and elite populations, assist Germplasm Development Scientist with development and implementation of research project designed to improve any aspect of germplasm development and multiplication. This role reports to the Southern Tree Improvement Manager. The position will be located at the Oliver Tree Improvement Center near Sylvania, GA.
This position will manage the Oliver Tree Improvement Center's germplasm archives and breeding banks and oversee the facility infrastructure. They may work with key scientists and project leaders across all S&T disciplines as well as university professors. Strong communication and coordination are required with scientists and the entire team to ensure breeding strategy and research projects are properly designed and implemented. The Germplasm Development Research Specialist will conduct research on breeding techniques and protocols, storage of pollen and seeds, pine flower development and retention, control-mass pollination protocols, and aspects of seed orchard management under the direction of the Germplasm Development Scientist. The individual in the role will have a strong understanding of tree improvement, seed orchard management, Southern pine silviculture and possess the ability to recognize opportunities for research and operational improvement.
The position will be responsible for transferring technological information in a clear and concise manner to managers (S&T and Southern Regeneration), seed orchard technicians, early- and mid-rotation foresters, and other relevant parties. This transfer of information may be in the form of group presentations, field tours, and written reports. In addition to formal research activities, the coordinator is expected to stay abreast of current science, to understand operational practices, and to recognize research needs and challenges as they arise.
Essential Job Functions
- Responsible for implementing the breeding designs for the advancement of base and elite breeding populations and coordinating the breeding assignments to specific breeding banks. This involves collecting scion material from selected trees, assigning them to breeding orchards, grafting them into the orchards, stimulating flower production, collecting and storing pollen, conducting controlled pollinations of selected trees, protecting flower / conelet development from insect and disease pests, collecting seeds, and storing seeds for progeny testing.
- Assist with developing and maintaining a well-organized data base for all breeding activities, research projects, and pollen and seed inventories.
- Recognizing research and operational improvement opportunities and develop innovative research projects to improve protocols, processes, and techniques for all aspects of the germplasm development and seed multiplication processes.
- Collaborate with Strategy and Technology employees across all disciplines to develop well-designed projects.
- Analyze and summarize research data, and prepare concise technical reports, presentations, and posters, for all research activities in a timely manner.
- Transfer improved technology to Southern Regeneration managers and employees and help troubleshoot technology implementation. Partner with Southern Regeneration and consult on operational scale research projects and requests.
- Assist in preparation to field tours.
- Ensure all work is completed in a safe manner following all regulations and JSAs.
- Assist other platforms and projects in the Atlantic, Piedmont, and NC/VA Regions with research activities as needed.
- Assist the Southern Tree Improvement Program manage the Oliver Tree Improvement Center facility and infrastructure.
Location: Oliver Tree Improvement Center is in Screven County, GA approximately 20-25 minutes from Statesboro, GA, and approximately 45-60 minutes from the greater Savannah, GA area.
- PhD in tree improvement, forestry, plant breeding, or a closely related field, OR Masters degree with more than 3 years of research experience in tree improvement, forestry, plant breeding, or a closely related field
- Must possess at least 1 of the following:
o Good understanding of genetics and tree improvement, experimental design and the importance of data quality
o Proficient in the use of statistical tools and software such as SAS, ASReml, and R
o Excellent skills for interpreting research data and genetic analysis
o Basic understanding of a broad range of core competencies including plantation nutrition, tree physiology, soils, growth and yield, and silvicultural systems
o Contract administration (both preparing contracts and managing the contractor)
- Excellent computer skills including a working knowledge of MS Office applications
- Good communication and organizational skills
- Ability to work collaboratively across technical disciplines and work well in team situations
- Demonstrated ability to work safely in forestry or related operations
- Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
- The ability to work alone safely, often in remote areas, prepared to do field intensive work
- Proactive problem-solving skills
About Timberlands
We believe trees are a remarkable resource that can and should be managed responsibly to make a range of products that meet human needs, while also providing recreation, wildlife habitat, and other important ecosystem benefits.
For more than a century, we've been taking care of forests to make life better.
About Weyerhaeuser
We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a better place. We're serious about safety, driven to achieve excellence, and proud of what we do. With multiple business lines in locations across North America, we offer a range of exciting career opportunities for smart, talented people who are passionate about making a difference.
*We know you have a choice in your career. We want you to choose us.
/Weyerhaeuser is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment women, minorities, qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans./
Job: *Engineering, Science, & Architecture
Title: Germplasm Development Research Specialist
Location: GA-Sylvania
Requisition ID: 01015966

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