Join the team at Heritage Farm!
For more than 43 years, Seed Savers Exchange, a non-profit,
nationally-focused organization based in the Driftless Region on the
outskirts of Decorah, Iowa (near where Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota
converge on the Mississippi), has focused on conserving and promoting
America's culturally diverse but endangered garden and food crop heritage
for future generations. Seed Savers Exchange was a pioneer in the advocacy
for preserving these heirloom varieties for generations to come, and is
committed to keeping these varieties where they belong—in our gardens and
on our tables.
Seed Savers Exchange is seeking a Greenhouse Assistant to join our team.
This year-round position will support Seed Savers Exchange’s mission-driven
work regenerating seeds and distributing heirloom seeds and plants.
Responsibilities shift with the seasons and include propagating and
regenerating seeds in the greenhouse and assisting with garden preparation
(spring); ongoing seed regeneration, field maintenance, and seed harvesting
and processing (summer and fall); and helping with seed and
perishable-inventory testing and distribution (winter).
*Applications accepting through November 8, 2019.*
*Essential Duties and Responsibilities:*
Job responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:
Greenhouse: March to mid-June
- Sowing, watering, fertilizing, transplant maintenance in a greenhouse
- Scouting for insects and diseases and releasing beneficial insects
- Following organizational protocols to ensure genetic purity of
accessions
- Maintaining accurate records and data entry in a timely manner
Field Work: Mid-June to November
- Maintaining garden plots by transplanting, weeding (manual and
mechanical), weed whipping, and harvesting crops
- Mulching with hay, landscape fabric, etc.
- Performing wet and dry seed harvesting and processing; this includes
seed extraction, seed cleaning, threshing, winnowing, and conditioning
- May be required to lead field crew on specific tasks and be a point
person for field crew throughout the season
- Other duties as assigned by the Field Manager
Seed House: December to February
- Support the needs of the Seed House by preparing and processing orders
for shipment
- Pick orders, validate items/lot numbers, and pack into appropriate
containers
- Process shipments and accept seed into inventory using integrated
shipping software
- Assist Inventory Manager with germination tests
- Assist with packing, picking, and shipping potato, apple tree scions,
garlic, and transplant orders
- Perform additional duties as directed by the Shipping or Seed House
managers
*Physical Requirements:*
- Ability to work in varying weather conditions
- Ability to stand, kneel, bend, and walk for long periods of time
- Ability to lift at least 50 lbs alone or 100 lbs assisted
*Qualifications:*
- One year greenhouse experience or work experience with organic
vegetable, flower, and/or herb production preferred
- Applicant must be an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, flexible team
player
- Ability to keep accurate, detailed records in a fast paced work
environment
- Applicants must have reliable transportation to and from work
- Applicants must have a valid driver’s license
*Benefits:*
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Employee merchandise discounts
- Health care, retirement and lifestyle benefits
Please email a cover letter, resumé, and the contact information for three
references to <email obscured> - include the name of the position in the
subject line of your email. Applications may also be mailed to: Seed Savers
Exchange | Attn: Lynne Rilling | 3094 North Winn Rd. | Decorah, IA 52101.
*Seed Savers Exchange is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically
encourages people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to
apply. Seed Savers Exchange does not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national
origin, citizenship, age, mental or physical disability, veteran status,
marital status, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by law.*
*Alex Brandt*
Human Resources | Seed Savers Exchange <http://www.seedsavers.org/>
<email obscured> | 563.387.5653