Horticultural Technician, Garden Crew Leader

Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) is a non-profit, member supported organization dedicated to the genetic preservation of heirloom and open-pollinated food crops. As part of this mission, SSE permanently maintains a collection of thousands of endangered vegetable varieties, making us the largest non-governmental, publicly accessible seed bank in the United States.

Position Overview:

Seed Savers Exchange is currently hiring a Horticultural Technician to assist in and perform all aspects of organic seed production and vegetative crops propagation. Working under the guidance of the Field Manager, the Horticultural Technician will be directly involved with all stages of germplasm regeneration and collection maintenance in the field.

Responsibilities:

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Garden crew leader: As directed by the Field Manager lead crews of up to 6 persons, including any necessary project preparation and planning. Train seasonal and other staff as needed.
2. Seed regeneration and vegetative crops maintenance: Assist the Field Manager in performing all field activities, including field preparation, seeding, transplanting, watering, weeding, mulching, staking, fencing, harvesting, and field clean-up. Assist with managing pests and diseases in keeping with certified organic practices. Maintain vegetative crops in the field. Maintain biennial crops in the root cellar. Perform record-keeping for the above activities, entering necessary data into collection databases.
3. Seed processing: Monitor and move seed crops through the drying process. Perform seed cleaning and conditioning, training seasonal staff on SSE's seed cleaning protocols.
4. Seed lab activities: During winter months, assist in all seed lab activities, including germination testing, seed packaging and inventory, and seed distribution.

Qualifications:

There is a minimum educational requirement of a Bachelor's Degree in horticulture or related field, or equivalent years demonstrated practical work experience in horticulture. Applicants must have previous farm experience. Experience with vegetable crops and organic practices is preferred. Experience operating tractors and other farm equipment is desirable. All applicants must possess a valid driver's license.

Additional qualifications:

• Excellent computer skills, including ability to work in complex databases
• Ability to communicate effectively with other staff
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with changing day to day needs
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work in all types of outdoor conditions

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position with paid holidays and vacation, excellent medical/dental coverage, and retirement plan.

To Apply:

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references. Please include ‘Hort Tech-Garden Crew Leader' in the subject line of your email.

Seed Savers Exchange is an equal opportunity employer.