Assistant Director, Texas Native Seeds

Position Overview

The Assistant Director of Texas Native Seeds (TNS), under general direction, assists in leading and supervising the Coastal Prairies project. This position oversees daily operations of facilities, research sites, and demonstration projects across state, federal, and private lands. The role maintains strong partnerships with landowners and agencies while supporting technical initiatives, fundraising efforts, and strategic planning. The position is headquartered in Edna, Texas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Partnerships

• Manages and maintains collaborative relationships with agencies and private sector partners.
• Represents TNS at events, functions, and on state and national committees.
• Maintains engagement with landowners and stakeholders.
• Oversee spending and budget management.
• Plans and direct construction and large purchases.
• Provide data for organization planning.
• Serves as a member of the project management team.

Operations and Facilities Management

• Oversee management and operations of TNS facilities and research plots on public and private lands.
• Ensures effective facility operations, maintenance, and scheduling.
• Reports infrastructure needs and supports budget planning.
• Evaluates field operations and prepares reports.
• Performs field work including equipment operation, herbicide, and irrigation applications.
• Manage greenhouse production activities.

Project and Personnel Management

• Serves as liaison for operations including personnel, research, purchasing, and fundraising.
• Directs and evaluates schedules and productivity of staff and student technicians.
• Oversee TNS research projects ensuring implementation and completing data collection and reporting.

Communication and Outreach

• Assists in writing and distributing reports, publications, proposals, and outreach materials.
• Supports educational and engagement efforts with external stakeholders.
• Meets with landowners and managers to provide technical expertise.
• Functions as the main contact for TNS within the Coastal Prairies project region

Other Duties

• Functions as the main contact for TNS within the Coastal Prairies project region

Required Qualifications

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in Range and Wildlife Management or closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience – Six years of related experience in Texas flora and applied and scientific habitat restoration practices

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Range and Wildlife Management or related field.
• Experience in habitat restoration and native seed production
• Experience managing multi-partner projects or research projects.
• Experience in grant writing and fundraising.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of farm operations, land management, and restoration practices
• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and manage complex projects
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and partners
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a dynamic environment
• Proficiency in data management, analysis, and reporting tools
• Familiarity with laboratory, field, and technical equipment

Other Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat
• Ability to move up to 50 lbs with assistance
• Ability to move light, medium or heavy objects with assistance.
• Ability to operate farm machinery and equipment safely
• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines

Other Requirements and Factors

• This position is security sensitive
• This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures
• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements
• This position may require up to 25% (specify percentage) or more travel
• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends
• This position may direct and/or evaluate the work of others
• This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance