Seed Collector

About the Job

The pay rate for this position starts at $22.50/hr and depends on qualifications.

Please note: this position is NOT eligible for sponsorship.

The Northwoods are experiencing dramatic change and many northern tree species are dying. Without any intervention, researchers predict that the landscape in northeastern Minnesota will become mostly open grasslands within the next 50 years. If this happens, our regional economy, wildlife, culture, and everything that depends on the forest will be permanently changed. The goal of this project is to take action that will increase forest cover and carbon sequestration. We are hiring two people who will engage in all aspects of climate-resilient forest restoration through a new initiative called the Minnesota Million. In this collaborative project with The Nature Conservancy, we are collecting seeds from wild tree populations, facilitating climate-forward seedling production by regional farmers, and organizing purchasing of the seedlings for restoration. As a team, we will develop the systems to conduct each of these steps while also studying our success in formal and informal designs.

Job Duties

• Forecast seed crop and conduct seed collection across the state of Minnesota of native tree and shrub species 70%

• Train new seed collectors to adhere to scientific protocols, including student youth groups and private citizens.

• Develop publicly available lists of project seed needs, locations of source populations, and assessment of collection progress.

• Implement and monitor research projects

• 20%.

• Conduct experiments to determine optimal germination conditions for recalcitrant species.

• Coordinate planting, measuring planting success, and data management for field experiments that test the scale of local adaptation of seed sources.

• Record keeping & documentation

• 10%.

• Keep meticulous records of all systems, experimental procedures, and practices.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in environmental science or related field plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years.

• Seed Collector Certification (e.g., from Forest and Gene Conservation Association)

• Experience forecasting annual seed crop

• At least 2 years experience doing seed collection

• Willingness to travel up to one week at a time, valid Minnesota Driver's License

• Computer literacy including Excel

• Experience in experimental design and implementation

• Excellent communication skills.

• Flexible and adaptable to change

• Self-direction

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to identify all tree and shrub species in Minnesota

• Strong interest in all aspects of forest restoration

• Practical knowledge and experience with seed processing and plant growth equipment

• Able to get along with diverse people from different educational and practitioner backgrounds

• Willingness to write grant proposals

• Familiarity with seed viability testing procedures

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off

• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program

• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• University HSA contributions

• Disability and employer-paid life insurance

• Employee wellbeing program

• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity

• Financial counseling services

• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Application review will start on June 18, 2024. The anticipated start date is August of 2024.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).