About The Institute for Applied Ecology
The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a non-profit founded in 1999 with a mission to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research, and education. Our vision is a world where all people and wildlands are healthy and interact positively, biological diversity flourishes, and environmental challenges are met with a social commitment to solving problems with scientific principles.
IAE values diversity and equity, and we encourage applications from all groups of people. We recognize that the strength of IAE is in our people, and we believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. IAE does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices, and our commitment to equal employment opportunity applies to every aspect of the employment relationship.
Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. IAE will not sponsor H1B visas. Non-U.S. residents must also include a copy of their work visa.
Closing date: April 6, 2025
Position start date: May 5, 2025 – September 20, 2025 with the possibility of an extension
Number of available positions: 1
Location: Santa Fe, NM (Hybrid, requiring at least 3 days in the office per week)
Status: Full-time, Temporary
FLSA status: Non-exempt
Compensation: $25.50, plus travel expenses associated with overnight field work (food and lodging), paid holidays, sick leave, and overtime pay.
Position Overview
The Southwest Seed Partnership Technician supports the SW Plant Materials Program Manager in leading the Southwest Seed Partnership (SWSP), making high-quality native plant materials available for production and restoration. Responsibilities include supporting native plant materials development projects, such as seed production with local, small-scale farmers in New Mexico and wild seed collection throughout New Mexico and Arizona, on behalf of multiple partners. The SWSP Technician reports directly to the SW Plant Materials Program Manager (Phoenix, AZ).
Principal Job Functions
Project Management (50%):
- Tracks and implements project work plans with support from supervisor, including field work components
- Works closely with partners and IAE SW staff to collaboratively support native plant materials projects on behalf of multiple partners
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- Supports and sustains relationships with SWSP farmers in New Mexico
- Collaborates with partners on wild seed collection and seed production projects with support from the SW Plant Materials Program Manager
- Attends and participates in regular meetings with a small SWSP team to achieve the goals of the 5-year strategic plan with the SW Plant Materials Program Manager
- Supports SW Plant Materials Program Manager with multiple seed collection efforts across the region
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- Coordinates with SWSP staff and partners to develop target species lists for wild seed collection in New Mexico
- Assists with logistical planning for the 2025 seed collection season
- Supports training of seed collection crews, including providing SWSP presentations and guiding seed collection technicians on proper protocols
- Assists with the management of the SWSP electronic data collection (EDC) system and data management via AGOL (ArcGIS Online), excel, and ESRI products (Survey123 and Field Maps)
- Supports SW Plant Materials Program Manager with native seed production efforts:
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- Oversees seed production projects with small-scale farmers in New Mexico on behalf of multiple partners
- Tracks production budgets with support from supervisor
- Provides oversight of small-scale seed production fields in New Mexico, including tracking the progress of plugs at nurseries, providing support to growers on field establishment, supporting plug outplanting and direct sowing on farms, and completing annual farm field inspections
- Coordinates with nurseries and farmers to deliver seed and nursery plugs and ensure that production activities are on schedule
- Coordinates staff, partners, and/or volunteers to provide labor and/or technical support to small-scale native seed farmers in New Mexico
- Supports new farmer recruitment in the region and native seed farming workshops (in-house or in partnership with other organizations) with SW Plant Materials Program Manager
- Supports IAE staff with farm information as needed to complete seed certification
Coordination or supervision of others (30%)
- Coordinates the SWSP with support from the SW Plant Materials Program Manager
- Provides coordination and technical support to seed collection technicians and New Mexico nurseries and growers
- Assists with hiring seasonal seed collection technicians in support of seed collection goals and deliverables
- Supports coordination of field crews, hitch planning, and safety
- Organizes and leads volunteer, staff, and/or partner work parties at farms in collaboration with farmers to support seed production efforts
Writing and Outreach (20%)
- Provides brief updates and summaries for the quarterly SWSP newsletter and blogs for the SWSP website and/or IAE website
- Summarizes data for SWSP working group and partners at meetings
- Effectively communicates in writing appropriate information to the anticipated audience, which may be a funder, a member of the scientific community/peer-reviewed outlet, a project partner, a member of the public, etc.
- Maintains relationships with project partners, including native seed producers, nurseries, public agencies, tribes, private organizations and landowners, and universities
Other duties as assigned
- Attend internal and external trainings, assist SW staff with other projects as needed
- Conduct out-of-town travel as needed to meet with growers, visit farms, and complete farm field inspections
- Assist with IAE seed lab, farm, and greenhouse work as needed
- Support seed/native plant material restoration
QualificationsEssential Skills and Experience:
- A minimum of two years of plant-related conservation work experience
- Experience with wild seed collection and/or familiarity with native plant materials production
- Skilled in plant species identification using technical keys or plant vouchers, or a demonstrated ability to learn
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Experience coordinating several projects and tasks simultaneously
- Positive attitude and excellent oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite
- Data management and GIS experience, including data QA/QC and data management via AGOL (ArcGIS Online), excel, and ESRI products (Survey123 and Field Maps)
- Collaborative team member, positive attitude, and ability to work with a diverse staff
- Ability to navigate to field sites using tablets or GPS
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and good driving record
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Leadership experience and/or experience facilitating trainings
- Ability to write summaries in accessible language, with minor review and editing for diverse audiences
- Ability to efficiently and independently develop materials in Canva or Publisher/Powerpoint, and Squarespace with minimal review required
- Knowledge of identifying mature seed and familiarity with seed quality and seed testing
- Field experience working in Southwest habitats and familiarity with the flora
- Knowledge of Southwest restoration needs and potential native seed stakeholders
- Experience working with agricultural and nursery producers and understanding of nuances related to native species propagation, establishment, and harvesting
- Experience collecting seeds using the BLM Seeds of Success (SOS) protocol
- Coursework/trainings in botany and/or degree in botany or related field
Physical Challenges:
- Comfortable in a backcountry setting and experience or willingness to camp and hike up to 5 miles per day
- Ability to work in and respond to adverse field conditions which may include extreme heat and sun exposure, monsoonal rains, flash flooding, lightning, and hazardous wildlife
- Ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions while maintaining attention to the task and safety, including bent-over, kneeling, or standing positions for significant periods
- Must be able to lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds
- Must be able to operate a vehicle
- Must be able to complete tasks in an occasionally noisy environment with frequent interruptions
- Ability to remain in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
This position announcement does not necessarily represent a complete and inclusive list of all duties encompassed in this position but rather serves to provide the general overview and expectations of the role.
