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Field Coordinator

A large garden in a field with trees in the distance

Please email a cover letter, resumé, and the contact information for three references as a single PDF to [email protected] – include the name of the position in the subject line of your email. Applications may also be mailed to: Seed Savers Exchange | Attn: Human Resources | 3094 North Winn Rd. | Decorah, IA 52101.

Field Coordinator

Compensation: $21/hour

FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Position Status: Regular, Full-time
Reports to: Farm Director
Supervisory Role: Yes

Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization based in Decorah, Iowa focused on conserving and promoting America’s culturally diverse but endangered garden and food crop heritage for future generations.

Primary Role:

Working under the guidance of the Farm Director, the Field Coordinator will be responsible for assisting in coordination and completion of all aspects of seed crop production including propagation, maintenance and processing as it relates to seed production and garlic regeneration.

Assist Farm Director with yearly field planning for catalog varieties and varieties for our seed bank collection.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Ensure adequate isolation per variety to minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination among varieties grown onsite, as well as consideration of surrounding landowners planting intentions.
  • Work with the farm leadership team to efficiently utilize tractor resources and needs throughout the growing season.
  • Assist the Farm Director in coordinating initial field cultivation and other garden duties such as planting, thinning, mulching/weed barriers, fencing, trellising, tilling, and weeding, etc.
  • Monitor for pest activity and disease pressure, recommend corrective actions
  • Ensure proper maintenance and use of equipment/vehicles
  • Collect and maintain accurate field records – including planting/harvest dates, observation log and corrective actions taken as well as proper labeling of all varieties.
  • Assist with end of season field cleanup
  • Provide status updates and reports on all field activities
  • Harvest and process seeds for all catalog seed production and final conditioning of all collection seed crop and ensure smooth transition of raw material to inventoried finished goods
  • Assist farm leadership team with Producer Organic Certification documentation as needed.
  • Assist with coordinating all activities for Collection garlic stewardship including weeding, harvesting, curing, planting and mulching.
  • Assist with maintenance and management of perennial crops when necessary

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • Lead farm team and volunteers through daily tasks as needed.

External-Department Responsibilities

  • Assist as needed preparing for SSE events, and participating in related activities including workshops, tours, and conferences.

Job Sharing

  • Approximately November through February, this position will support Seed Savers Exchange with all aspects of seed packing and order fulfillment in our Seed House. Responsibilities may vary widely during this time period.

Skills

  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and time-management skills
  • Ability to manage and motivate a team and maintain an efficient, productive, and supportive work environment
  • Flexibility to work well in a fast paced environment with changing day to day needs
  • Proven experience working with limited supervision and in a collaborative team
  • Ability to safely operate and teach the use and safety of large trucks carrying trailers, wagons, and small farm equipment
  • Excellent computer skills, including ability to work in complex databases

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to perform physical activity: lifting up to 100 lbs. (assisted); carrying (50 lbs.), bending frequently, climbing, pushing, and pulling.
  • Ability to work in all environmental conditions, from hot/dry to cold/wet for extended periods.
  • Standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience in horticulture.
  • Must have previous farm experience
  • Experience with organic vegetable crop seed production preferred
  • Self-motivated, energetic, goals-driven, problem solver.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license.

Benefits

  • PTO & Holidays
  • Life insurance and long term disability provided by SSE
  • Employee discounts
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance available
  • Retirement plan with company match
  • Wellness program with annual stipend and paid wellness day

Seed Savers Exchange is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to apply. Seed Savers Exchange does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, mental or physical disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by law.