About the role
About Maritime Innovation Limited
Maritime Innovation Limited (MIL) is a biotechnology and plant propagation company based in Sussex, New Brunswick, and wholly owned by J.D. Irving, Limited. MIL specializes in the operational production of elite plant materials for forestry and agriculture using advanced propagation systems, including classic tissue culture, conifer somatic embryogenesis (SE), and controlled environment growing technologies. The company also manufactures biological products designed to enhance plant performance and resilience.
MIL is currently expanding its production platform to deliver up to 5 million somatic embryogenesis-derived conifer seedlings annually, with infrastructure and systems in place to support further scaling in future years. The operation is designed to support high-throughput, repeatable production aligned with large-scale nursery, greenhouse, and field deployment programs. Success at MIL depends on disciplined execution, strong operational leadership, and continuous improvement across all production activities.
Crop Production & Planning
- Develop and manage annual and multi-year crop production plans aligned with customer demand, reforestation programs, and operational capacity.
- Oversee all crop growth stages including seed handling, sowing, germination, sticking, grafting, transplanting, spacing, watering, fertility management, pest management and hardening-off.
- Ensure production schedules align with storage, shipping, and planting windows.
- Monitor crop progress and adjust cultural practices to optimize crop quality and survival rates.
- Work with tree improvement team to manage trials, grafting program and research.
- Forecast production volumes and inputs (seed, media, fertilizers, supplies).
- Track crop progress and report on yields, losses, and efficiency metrics.
- Collaborate with nursery management, logistics, and sales/forestry teams to meet delivery timelines.
- Support R&D initiatives and adoption of new technologies or sustainable practices.
Technical Oversight & Best Practices
- Establish, implement, and refine growing protocols for somatic embryo production, realized gain trials, and grafting program.
- Apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including scouting, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
- Manage irrigation and fertigation programs based on species, growth stage, and environmental conditions.
- Evaluate new growing media, containers, fertilizers, and technologies to improve efficiency and quality.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Ensure seedlings and emblings consistently meet internal quality standards and external customer specifications (e.g., height, caliper, root development).
- Maintain compliance with phytosanitary, environmental, and certification requirements.
- EMS, Iso 14001, JHSC
- Conduct regular crop inspections, audits, and documentation reviews.
- Participate in audits and support traceability and quality assurance programs.
Leadership & Supervision
- Provide day-to-day technical guidance and mentoring to growers and production staff.
- Participate in recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance development related to growing operations.
- Promote a strong safety culture and adherence to health and safety policies.
- Foster teamwork and coordination between growing, shipping, maintenance, and administrative teams. Promote a strong safety culture and ensure staff follow health, safety, and biosecurity procedures.
Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain accurate production records, crop data, and growing reports.
- Analyze performance metrics such as survival and production KPIs.
- Identify trends and implement corrective and preventive measures where required.
- Contribute to budgeting, cost control, and resource planning related to growing operations.
Environmental Stewardship
- Support sustainable nursery practices including water conservation, nutrient management, and waste reduction.
- Ensure growing operations align with environmental regulations and company sustainability objectives.
Decision-Making Authority
- Adjust growing regimes to respond to crop health, weather conditions, and production risks.
- Recommend changes to inputs, schedules, and protocols affecting crop quality.
- Escalate critical production risks to management with proposed mitigation strategies.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Seedling quality and specification compliance
- Crop yield and survival rates
- Reduction in crop loss and production inefficiencies
- Timeliness of production milestones
- Staff competency and adherence to protocols
- Health, safety, and environmental compliance
Working Conditions
-
Combination of greenhouse, outdoor field, and office environments
-
Physical activity including walking, bending, and standing for extended periods
Required:
- Diploma or degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 5–8 years of nursery or forest seedling production experience.
- Strong knowledge of forest species physiology and nursery production systems. Strong knowledge of greenhouse and nursery growing practices.
- Experience with integrated pest management (IPM) and plant health monitoring.
- Familiarity with environmental controls, irrigation systems, and fertigation programs.
- Proven leadership and team management skills.
Preferred:
- Previous leadership or senior growing role experience.
- Experience with containerized and/or bareroot seedling systems.
- Familiarity with nursery management software and data tracking systems.
Skills & Competencies
-
Advanced technical growing knowledge
-
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
-
Leadership and coaching capability
-
Excellent organization and planning abilities
-
Clear communication and documentation skills
-
Ability to work in a seasonal, fast-paced environment
At Irving Woodlands , we take pride in our role as stewards of the land. Focused on rigorous and sustainable land management, Irving Woodlands is guided by an 80-year management plan that preserves the environmental and ecological integrity of our land, air, water and wildlife.
Irving Woodlands maintains an engaged team of over 1,600 employees, contractors, seasonal workers and students who are dedicated to research, conservation and continuously improving our forest management practices and long-term business results. Our multi-faceted team trains, develops and builds long-term, rewarding careers in all aspects of forestry, from tree nurseries and tree improvement to research and environmental management. Our forestry professionals, supported by our logistics and professional services group, are world-class and implement leading strategies in these areas: silviculture, planting, harvesting, trucking and logistics, operational and road construction, maintenance, technology, forest patrol and research. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to work across any of our safety first, cutting-edge technology operations and land holdings located in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Maine.
Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.
We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.
Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.
We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Not the right fit? Search for Grower jobs in Sussex, NB
About J.D. Irving Woodlands Division
We own 3.2 million acres and manage over 2.6 million more acres of Crown land in New Brunswick. Today, Irving Woodlands is a team of over 1,500 in Canada and the US. Every year we’re planning 80 years ahead to ensure healthy forests, biodiversity and the protection of the rivers, lakes and streams on land we own or manage. It’s a generational commitment - growing more wood than we harvest every year from forests that are audited and certified every year by independent experts. We’re supported by the best technology and work with many conservation and research partners to learn and improve. We are a leader in forest research and tree improvement.
Reforestation is at the root of our business. Since 1957, we have planted over one billion trees, a national record in Canada. Our research on climate change and carbon sequestration has been internationally recognized. The forests we manage have a positive impact on reducing greenhouse gases – absorbing 92 million tonnes of carbon over the next 50 years.
Today, forests we care for and sustain a diverse value chain of forest products and almost 16,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs – from seedling to consumer shelf – in both Canada and the US.
Similar Jobs
About the role
About Maritime Innovation Limited
Maritime Innovation Limited (MIL) is a biotechnology and plant propagation company based in Sussex, New Brunswick, and wholly owned by J.D. Irving, Limited. MIL specializes in the operational production of elite plant materials for forestry and agriculture using advanced propagation systems, including classic tissue culture, conifer somatic embryogenesis (SE), and controlled environment growing technologies. The company also manufactures biological products designed to enhance plant performance and resilience.
MIL is currently expanding its production platform to deliver up to 5 million somatic embryogenesis-derived conifer seedlings annually, with infrastructure and systems in place to support further scaling in future years. The operation is designed to support high-throughput, repeatable production aligned with large-scale nursery, greenhouse, and field deployment programs. Success at MIL depends on disciplined execution, strong operational leadership, and continuous improvement across all production activities.
Crop Production & Planning
- Develop and manage annual and multi-year crop production plans aligned with customer demand, reforestation programs, and operational capacity.
- Oversee all crop growth stages including seed handling, sowing, germination, sticking, grafting, transplanting, spacing, watering, fertility management, pest management and hardening-off.
- Ensure production schedules align with storage, shipping, and planting windows.
- Monitor crop progress and adjust cultural practices to optimize crop quality and survival rates.
- Work with tree improvement team to manage trials, grafting program and research.
- Forecast production volumes and inputs (seed, media, fertilizers, supplies).
- Track crop progress and report on yields, losses, and efficiency metrics.
- Collaborate with nursery management, logistics, and sales/forestry teams to meet delivery timelines.
- Support R&D initiatives and adoption of new technologies or sustainable practices.
Technical Oversight & Best Practices
- Establish, implement, and refine growing protocols for somatic embryo production, realized gain trials, and grafting program.
- Apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including scouting, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
- Manage irrigation and fertigation programs based on species, growth stage, and environmental conditions.
- Evaluate new growing media, containers, fertilizers, and technologies to improve efficiency and quality.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Ensure seedlings and emblings consistently meet internal quality standards and external customer specifications (e.g., height, caliper, root development).
- Maintain compliance with phytosanitary, environmental, and certification requirements.
- EMS, Iso 14001, JHSC
- Conduct regular crop inspections, audits, and documentation reviews.
- Participate in audits and support traceability and quality assurance programs.
Leadership & Supervision
- Provide day-to-day technical guidance and mentoring to growers and production staff.
- Participate in recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance development related to growing operations.
- Promote a strong safety culture and adherence to health and safety policies.
- Foster teamwork and coordination between growing, shipping, maintenance, and administrative teams. Promote a strong safety culture and ensure staff follow health, safety, and biosecurity procedures.
Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain accurate production records, crop data, and growing reports.
- Analyze performance metrics such as survival and production KPIs.
- Identify trends and implement corrective and preventive measures where required.
- Contribute to budgeting, cost control, and resource planning related to growing operations.
Environmental Stewardship
- Support sustainable nursery practices including water conservation, nutrient management, and waste reduction.
- Ensure growing operations align with environmental regulations and company sustainability objectives.
Decision-Making Authority
- Adjust growing regimes to respond to crop health, weather conditions, and production risks.
- Recommend changes to inputs, schedules, and protocols affecting crop quality.
- Escalate critical production risks to management with proposed mitigation strategies.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Seedling quality and specification compliance
- Crop yield and survival rates
- Reduction in crop loss and production inefficiencies
- Timeliness of production milestones
- Staff competency and adherence to protocols
- Health, safety, and environmental compliance
Working Conditions
-
Combination of greenhouse, outdoor field, and office environments
-
Physical activity including walking, bending, and standing for extended periods
Required:
- Diploma or degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 5–8 years of nursery or forest seedling production experience.
- Strong knowledge of forest species physiology and nursery production systems. Strong knowledge of greenhouse and nursery growing practices.
- Experience with integrated pest management (IPM) and plant health monitoring.
- Familiarity with environmental controls, irrigation systems, and fertigation programs.
- Proven leadership and team management skills.
Preferred:
- Previous leadership or senior growing role experience.
- Experience with containerized and/or bareroot seedling systems.
- Familiarity with nursery management software and data tracking systems.
Skills & Competencies
-
Advanced technical growing knowledge
-
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
-
Leadership and coaching capability
-
Excellent organization and planning abilities
-
Clear communication and documentation skills
-
Ability to work in a seasonal, fast-paced environment
At Irving Woodlands , we take pride in our role as stewards of the land. Focused on rigorous and sustainable land management, Irving Woodlands is guided by an 80-year management plan that preserves the environmental and ecological integrity of our land, air, water and wildlife.
Irving Woodlands maintains an engaged team of over 1,600 employees, contractors, seasonal workers and students who are dedicated to research, conservation and continuously improving our forest management practices and long-term business results. Our multi-faceted team trains, develops and builds long-term, rewarding careers in all aspects of forestry, from tree nurseries and tree improvement to research and environmental management. Our forestry professionals, supported by our logistics and professional services group, are world-class and implement leading strategies in these areas: silviculture, planting, harvesting, trucking and logistics, operational and road construction, maintenance, technology, forest patrol and research. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to work across any of our safety first, cutting-edge technology operations and land holdings located in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Maine.
Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.
We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.
Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.
We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Not the right fit? Search for Grower jobs in Sussex, NB
About J.D. Irving Woodlands Division
We own 3.2 million acres and manage over 2.6 million more acres of Crown land in New Brunswick. Today, Irving Woodlands is a team of over 1,500 in Canada and the US. Every year we’re planning 80 years ahead to ensure healthy forests, biodiversity and the protection of the rivers, lakes and streams on land we own or manage. It’s a generational commitment - growing more wood than we harvest every year from forests that are audited and certified every year by independent experts. We’re supported by the best technology and work with many conservation and research partners to learn and improve. We are a leader in forest research and tree improvement.
Reforestation is at the root of our business. Since 1957, we have planted over one billion trees, a national record in Canada. Our research on climate change and carbon sequestration has been internationally recognized. The forests we manage have a positive impact on reducing greenhouse gases – absorbing 92 million tonnes of carbon over the next 50 years.
Today, forests we care for and sustain a diverse value chain of forest products and almost 16,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs – from seedling to consumer shelf – in both Canada and the US.