Weyerhaeuser is searching for a Progeny Test Coordinator to join our Strategy & Technology (S&T) team in Centralia, WA. As a Progeny Test Coordinator, you will coordinate the establishment and management of all genetic field tests in your assigned area of responsibility (60-80%) and support the growth of seedlings for field trials (20-40%). In addition to formal research activities, you are expected to stay abreast of current science, understand operational practices, and recognize research needs and challenges as they arise. Having a s trong understanding of tree improvement and the ability to recognize opportunities for research and operational improvement will help you to be successful in this role.
You will have the opportunity to work with key scientists and project leaders across all S&T disciplines, as well as conduct research on various aspects of silviculture, tree genetics, tree physiology, plant pathology and plant health. Your communication and coordination skills will help you work successfully with scientists and other team members to ensure seedlings are grown to spec, field test sites are properly selected, and sites are prepared, established, maintained, measured, and documented.
This is an individual contributor role that reports to the Western Tree Improvement Manager.
Essential Functions
- Coordinate the establishment and management of all genetic field tests in assigned region primarily, but also across multiple disciplines within the S&T organization, other regions as necessary, and the business
- Plan and execute field work including site selection, study installation, maintenance, measurements, data audits and treatment application according to workplans
- Support research greenhouse maintenance at Rochester Regeneration Facility and laboratories at Centralia for Western Tree Improvement
- Support growing seedlings for tree improvement or other research trials as needed, which may involve occasional weekend work
- Design and pack tree improvement seedlings from sown inventory for establishing field trials
- Assist with other tree improvement projects or special projects as needed
- Contract administration for different research projects
- Conduct research on various aspects of silviculture, tree genetics, tree physiology, plant pathology and plant health related to genetics as needed
- Manage cooperative membership progeny testing obligations
- Coordinate research activities with other S&T members and area foresters
- Transfer technological information in a clear and concise manner to managers (S&T and Western Regeneration), early- and mid-rotation foresters, and other relevant parties; information transfer may be in the form of group presentations, field tours, and/or written reports
- Utilize c omputers, various field and greenhouse equipment on a daily basis; o perate LiCor 6300 and other plant physiology equipment, general laboratory equipment, field equipment, UTV, media mixing equipment, track carrier, as needed
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree (or higher) in Tree Improvement, Forestry, or a closely related field
- A committed safety mindset focused on safely executing work every day and supporting the company safety vision
- Knowledgeable of and licensed (or ability to obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s license) in the use of herbicide, pesticide, and fertilizer application.
- Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, sometimes 1-2 weeks at a time often requiring irregular work hours; this includes driving on highways, in-town, rural areas and on gravel/dirt roads across the various tree farms
- Ability to tow a trailer and obtain DOT certification
- Able and willing to work independently and safely, both indoors and outdoors, often in remote areas, with exposure to a variety of weather conditions and uneven working surfaces
- Flexible availability regarding days and hours of work during seasonal activities
- Excellent computer skills including a working knowledge of MS Office and GIS applications
- Ability to work collaboratively across technical disciplines and in team situations
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
- Proactive problem-solving skills
- Willing and able to perform essential job functions that include crouching, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds, and repetitive activities such as entering data and sample preparation
Preferred Qualifications
- Good understanding of genetics and tree improvement, experimental design and the importance of data quality
- Ability to operate heavy equipment
- Basic understanding of a broad range of core competencies including plantation nutrition, tree physiology, soils, growth and yield, and silvicultural systems.
- Field forestry experience
- Contract administration (both preparing contracts and managing the contractor)
- Proficient in the use of statistical tools and software such as ASReml, R or SAS
- Strong math, analytical and financial analysis skills including, but not limited to, interpreting research data and genetic analyses
Compensation: This role is eligible for our annual merit-increase program, and we are targeting a salary range of $65K – $97K based on your level of skills, qualifications and experience. You will also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program, which offers a cash bonus targeting 5% of base pay. Potential plan funding may range from zero to two times that target.
Benefits: When you join our team, you and your dependents will be offered coverage under our comprehensive employee benefits plan, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance. We offer a pre-tax Health Savings Account option which includes a company contribution. Other benefit options are also available such as voluntary Long-Term Care and Employee Assistance Programs. We also support personal volunteerism, sponsor a host of diversity networks, promote mentoring, and provide training and development opportunities to help you chart your path to a fulfilling career.
Retirement: Employees are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan, which includes a paid company match in addition to our annual contribution equal to 5% of your base salary.
Paid Time Off or Vacation: We provide eligible employees who are scheduled to work 25 hours or more per week with 3-weeks of paid vacation to use during your first year of employment. In addition, after being employed for six months, eligible employees begin to accrue vacation for future use. We also recognize eleven paid holidays per year, providing a total of 88 holiday hours
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.
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.
Weyerhaeuser is an equal opportunity employer. Inclusion is one of our five core values and we strive to maintain a culture where all our people feel a sense of belonging, opportunity and shared purpose. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and supporting an equitable and inclusive environment that inspires people of all backgrounds to join, stay and thrive with our team.