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Lab and Field Apprenticeship

Gloved hands use tweezers to remove a potato plant tissue culture from a tube

Please email a cover letter, resumé, and the contact information for three references as a single PDF to jobs@seedsavers.org – 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.

Lab and Field Apprenticeship

Position Title: Seed Savers Exchange Lab and Field Apprenticeship
Position Status: Seasonal, full-time, hourly, grant-funded
Reports to: Preservation Director
Apprenticeship dates: March 2026 through November 2026

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

Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) will host a laboratory- and field-based apprenticeship that integrates scientific training with cultural and ecological stewardship. The duration of the position will run nine months, providing a complete cycle aligned with growing and harvest seasons. This immersive program provides hands-on experience in regenerating and safeguarding rare food crops, with a particular emphasis on potato plant tissue culture, in-vitro propagation, and seed viability testing—core techniques for protecting at-risk crop varieties. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of preservation and farm staff, the apprentice will: 

  • Perform tissue culture and in-vitro propagation of rare and endangered potato varieties 
  • Complete seed viability testing to determine regeneration priorities across multiple crop families
  • Organize, document, and digitize collection data 
  • Participate in seasonal farm activities connected to seed growing, saving and preservation 
  • Perform other related duties as assigned 

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to perform fieldwork, including standing, lifting, and working outdoors in variable weather  conditions 
  • Ability to lift up to 100 lbs. (assisted) and lift/carry at least 50 lbs. (unassisted) 

Qualifications

  • Enrollment in or completion of an undergraduate or graduate program in plant sciences, biology, agriculture, agroecology, environmental science, or a related field OR equivalent hands-on experience
  • Demonstrated interest in crop diversity conservation, seed systems, or sustainable agriculture
  • Ability to follow detailed protocols and maintain accurate records and data 
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment 
  • Applicants must have reliable transportation to and from work 

Benefits

  • Paid holidays & PTO 
  • Long Term Disability & Life Insurance (paid for by the company) 
  • Employee merchandise discounts 
  • Wellness program with annual stipend and paid day off 
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage available 

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.

For a limited time, use code Bloom-2026 at checkout to receive a Classic Blooms Collection with eligible orders over $100.00 USD. Terms and conditions apply.