Native Seed Collection Field Technician

The Mid Atlantic Regional Seed Bank (MARSB)

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Seed Bank (MARSB) was created in 2014 to increase the availability of genetically appropriate native seed across the Mid-Atlantic through targeted seed collection and active seed banking. Through its five programmatic areas, MARSB also seeks to build a sustainable supply chain in Native Plant Materials (NPMs) by building a network of diverse partners to collaboratively meet the seed needs for region-wide, landscape-scale restorations.

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Seed Bank takes an ecosystems approach to conservation that results in seed collections across every ecoregion in the Mid-Atlantic. Because wild, genetically appropriate native seed is the raw material needed for ecological restoration projects, we believe this critical resource should be properly safeguarded and managed using sound scientific principles.

Job Title: Native Seed Collection Field Technician

Overview: The Native Seed Collection Field Technician will be employed by MARSB through an agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to collect genetically appropriate seed in support of National Wildlife Refuge restoration and land management activities throughout the Mid-Atlantic states. Utilizing the Seeds of Success (SOS) seed collection protocols, and under the direct supervision of MARSB’s Seed Collection Coordinator (SCC), this position will be responsible for supporting the collection, processing, and documentation of native seeds for the USFWS. This position offers hands-on experience in plant biology, ecology, and conservation and provides training in the SOS collection protocol. The position will provide an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of native plant species and ecosystems throughout the Mid Atlantic.

The Technician will work closely with the SCC to identify source populations of native plant species and hand-collect seed following SOS protocols. Work may take place across any of the following Mid-Atlantic states: NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, WV, and may require considerable travel throughout the position duration. Seed sources may occur on public or private land, and the Technician will work with many different types of landowners.

Responsibilities:

• Seed Collection:

• Identify target native plant species, assess population abundance, and monitor phenology.
• Employ ethical and science-based seed collection practices to ensure the health and regeneration of plant populations.
• Use navigational equipment to locate obscure or remote collection sites.

• Field Research:

• Record environmental data, including soil conditions, weather, and plant associations.
• Collect voucher specimens of target collection species.
• Photograph habitat, plant, and seed of each collection.

• Seed Processing:

• Dry, process, and store collected seeds using proper techniques to maintain seed viability prior to shipment.
• Label accession seeds according to species and collection location.
• Ship seed to processing center for final cleaning.

• Documentation:

• Record detailed field notes and maintain an organized database of collected seed information.
• Assist in preparing reports summarizing seed collection activities and findings.

• Collaboration:

• Work closely with conservation biologists, ecologists, and other team members to achieve project goals.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for improving seed collection processes.
• Coordinate with and lead volunteer seed scouts and collectors.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant academic program (e.g., botany, biology, ecology, environmental science, ecological restoration, etc.).
• Strong plant identification skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and navigate challenging terrain.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to follow safety procedures.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and seed processing.
• Valid driver’s license on first day of position.
• Position will require some overnight camping or car-camping.

Compensation: $2,000 bi-weekly; 40 hrs/wk

Duration: May thru October (6 months)

This is a full-time, temporary position with a six-month duration. There is a possibility of extension based on performance and project funding.

Location: Negotiable. Housing not provided.