Job Opportunities

2008 Seasonal Garden Positions at Heritage Farm

Open Seasonal Positions:
Garden Crew
Collection Assistant
Horticultural Assistant

Seed Savers Exchange has some openings in the gardens at Heritage Farm in Decorah Iowa. Nestled among sparkling streams, limestone bluffs, and century-old white pine woods, the 890-acre farm is a living museum of historic varieties. The over 50 gardens cultivated at Heritage Farm are spread across the various corners of the acreage.

Duties will involve planting, maintaining, and harvesting 25 acres of heirloom vegetables. Up to 3,000 vegetable varieties are annually grown to produce seed in the preservation gardens, catalog production plots, and other special gardens. Over 1500 varieties of vegetative plants including apples, grapes, potatoes, garlic, alliums, and horseradish are also maintained year round. The staggering genetic diversity of heirloom vegetable crops and plants, that are grown annually at Heritage Farm, is unmatched. More than 25,000 rare varieties are being permanently maintained at Heritage Farm.

The garden positions are full-time, typically 8 hours a day Monday-Friday with occasional weekend work required. Expect fast paced work in a wide range of weather conditions. These positions requires a significant amount of physical activity: lifting (up to 100 lbs. assisted) carrying (50 lbs.), bending frequently, climbing, pushing, and pulling. Must have a valid drivers license and be able to operate various types of gasoline powered equipment.

Currently positions are available running from late March November 2008, May November 2008 and May August 2008. Mail, Fax, or e-mail resumes along with a letter describing your qualities and interests:

Garden Manager
Seed Savers Exchange
3094 North Winn Road
Decorah, Iowa 52101

FAX (563) 382-5872
Email: Matt Barthel

Interviews for selected applicants takes place during March April and as positions open in the garden during the season. The positions are open until filled. All respondents will be notified on the status of their application. Seed Savers Exchange is an equal opportunity employer.

Posted: 12-18-2007
Application Deadline: Currently: Open Until Filled

Position: Horticulturist

Description:
Seed Savers Exchange is seeking a highly motivated individual to assist in the coordination of growing and producing seed for a germplasm of over 25,000 rare and unique vegetable varieties and fruit.  This position will require direct involvement with all stages of planning, preparing, planting, maintaining, processing, documenting and harvesting of crops.  Over 80 different types of plants are grown for seed production or maintained vegetativly at Heritage Farm.  The Horticulturist will be responsible for coordinating seed production in pollination isolation tents, in isolation gardens, and numerous other types of plant regenerations.  Additional responsibilities will include: overseeing seasonal garden staff, conducting controlled pollinations of field and greenhouse plantings, verification of taxonomy, data taking and field photography, along with other related projects.

Qualifications:
There is a minimum educational requirement of an Associate Degree in the natural sciences with 5 years of experience in a plant biological field, or Bachelor’s Degree in the natural sciences with an emphasis in plant biology and 2 years of work experience.  Academic or on-the-job experience growing plants is required.  Experience in plant monitoring or field research is required.  Some laboratory expereince is also required.

Applicants must posses excellent computer skills.  A background working with Microsoft Excel, Access, and Word is expected.  The ability to regularly perform detailed tasks with accuracy is crucial.  Excellent organizational and problem solving skills are essential qualities for the successful applicant.   The ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with changing day to day needs is expected.  Good written and oral communications skills are required.  Demonstrated ability in supervising the work of others and experience providing constructive criticism is needed.  The ability to work efficiently and effectively with a diverse staff as part of a team is necessary.   Familiarity with a wide range of garden vegetables is needed.  Previous farm work or extensive gardening experience with vegetables is a plus.  This position at times requires a significant amount of physical activity: lifting (up to 100 lbs. assisted);  carrying (50 lbs.), bending frequently, climbing, pushing, and pulling.  Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate various types of gasoline-powered equipment.  The Horticulturist must be prepared to work in all types of outdoor conditions, and occasionally spend extended periods of time in dusty or subzero conditions.

Compensation:
As a non-profit organization, Seed Savers Exchange offers an excellent benefits package and competitive salary that is commensurate with education and experience.

Applications:
Mail or e-mail a resume and cover letter with three references to the address below.  Three letters of recommendation will be expected from applicants that are requested for interviews.

Matthew Barthel, Vice President of Garden and Collections
Seed Savers Exchange
3094 North Winn Rd.
Decorah, IA 52101

PHONE (563) 382-5990
Email: Matt Barthel

Seed Savers Exchange is an equal opportunity employer.