Seed Processing Technician

Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Initiative (SGI) invites applications for a temporary, part-time Native Seed Processing Technician. This position will work under the Native Seed Program Manager and Director to process collections of wild-collected native seed as part of SGI’s partnership with the national Seeds of Success program. This temporary position will run from October 2025 until April 2026.

The successful candidate’s primary role will be to clean, weigh, store, and inventory all native seed collections conducted by SGI. This position will report to the SGI Seed Program Manager and SGI Seed Program Director.  Technicians will need to work on-site, at SGI’s office on Austin Peay State University campus in Clarksville, TN.  Due to the noisy nature of seed cleaning, technicians will work an afternoon and evening shift. This is a part-time, seasonal, nontenure-track position for 29 hours/week for $20/hour for 26 weeks (6 months), paid bi-weekly. The position is expected to be filled from late October 2025 to April 2026, for a total of 26 weeks.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Handle native seed collections from their arrival at SGI to storage, including assigning codes to seed collections, pest treatment, drying, and humidity monitoring.
• Seed cleaning, using industrial equipment and hand tools.
• Documentation and seed quality testing using basic lab procedures (estimating seed quantity based on weight, dissecting scope photography, and cut-tests).
• Recording and reporting collection data.
• Maintaining organized collections in storage.
• Maintain equipment in good working order.
• Lead seed-cleaning volunteer days 2-4x monthly.
• Participate when possible in SGI official events and volunteer days.
• Participate in regular Native Seed Program team meetings and occasional SGI staff meetings.
• Communicate to all parties clearly and effectively.
• Report in an accurate and timely fashion, and keep track of hours worked.
• Adhere to all SGI and APSU policies and procedures for employees.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work standing and walking for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to work a non-standard schedule, typically a 2 PM-8 PM shift.
• Willingness to work unaccompanied for portions of the shift.
• Fine motor abilities (tweezing, using a scalpel, precise sorting, and counting).
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. APSU/SGI is not able to provide housing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of an associate’s degree in Biology, Ecology, or related field, or 1-2 years of professional experience.
• Knowledge of and prior experience in seed collection or processing preferred.
• Must have good communication skills, both written and oral.
• Evidence of good character, mature attitude, and professional integrity.
• Ability to patiently and methodically approach tedious/repetitive tasks of seed cleaning with strong attention to detail.