Seed Scout

Office Location:

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Location is flexible within commuting distance to southern and central MN with option to work at our Minneapolis office.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

As our Seed Scout, you will be a member of our Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota Chapter’s Forest Strategy and Stewardship Team. You will work on an initiative called Minnesota Million (MM) – a vision to reforest large swaths of Minnesota through collaboration with a broad and inclusive group of coalition partners. This initiative includes a new dedicated effort to increase and improve the quality of tree seeds and seedlings available in Minnesota.   

You will be a key asset in the Climate Smart Seedling Production Network which is designed to promote higher quality tree seed collection and tree stock production in the state of MN. This position will interface with all partners involved with seed collection and will be report to our Reforestation Strategy Manager. You will conduct field reconnaissance to inform a climate-smart seed collection strategy that is based on conditions, flowering, seed set, and other factors that vary by species from year to year.

As the Seed Scout, you will travel throughout central and southern Minnesota, overnight travel will be required.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is a connector of people and places. Come join TNC and apply today! 

As our Seed Scout, you will be responsible for connecting tree seed collectors to ripe seed at the right times and places. You will assist in ensuring seed lots are tracked throughout the supply chain as they move on to nurseries and are sold to their forever planting location.

A successful candidate will be knowledgeable in phenology, forecasting, field research, and be able to build productive partnerships. You will collaborate with existing partners and as well as explore new partnerships to broaden access to seed bearing trees. This is an opportunity to lead others – volunteers and entry level staff.

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management or other science related field and 1 years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with natural systems.
• Experience in ecological land management systems working with diverse landowners (public, private, etc.)
• Familiarity with identification, biology, and phenology of Minnesota’s trees and shrubs.
• Working knowledge of field-based GIS platforms such as ESRI’s FieldMaps and Microsoft Excel
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives with minimal supervision.

In addition, the following DESIRED skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development:

• Experience collecting, processing/cleaning, and/or storing seeds.
• Experience building trusting relationships as a liaison between organizations and marginalized or underrepresented communities. 
• Experience or interest in tree climbing or working at heights. 
• Experience using drones or part 107 certification through FAA.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Additional Information:  

TNC also fosters an environment supportive of empowering our employees, amplifying an equitable workforce, and creating opportunities to participate in our nine Employee Resource Groups.  

In alignment with the global organization, the Tri-State chapter is making an intentional effort to creating a community of inclusivity and belonging through collaboration and feedback. We’re committed to building a culture based on trust, transparency, empathy, and accountability. We value individuality and difference of backgrounds and ideas, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.  

Location is flexible within MN with option to work at our Minneapolis office which provides free parking onsite, overlooks the Mississippi river, across from the Gold Medal Park, and within walking distance to trails and other conveniences.   

The position will include frequent travel with occasional overnight stays necessary, and limited work in the evenings and weekends as needed. Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

*This position will be grant funded for 4 years, but our aim is to continue this position beyond that pending future funding.*   

Auto Safety Policy:  

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:  

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $42,000 – $53,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.