Job Opportunities

Join the team at Heritage Farm!

Since 1975, Seed Savers Exchange, a non-profit, nationally-focused organization based in the Driftless Region on the outskirts of Decorah, Iowa (near where Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota converge on the Mississippi), has focused on conserving and promoting America's culturally diverse but endangered garden and food crop heritage for future generations. Seed Savers Exchange was a pioneer in the advocacy for preserving these heirloom varieties for generations to come, and is committed to keeping these varieties where they belong—in our gardens and on our tables.

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: Peggy Miller | 3094 North Winn Rd. | Decorah, IA 52101.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Current Opportunities

Lillian GoldMan Visitor Center Manager
Greenhouse Coordinator
Inventory Operations Manager
Education and Engagement Intern
Orchard Intern
Iowa COVID-19 Recovery AmeriCorps Position

Lillian Goldman Visitor Center Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Regular, Full-time
Reports to: Director of Business and Sales
Supervisory Role: Yes
Compensation: Salaried position starting at $47,840/year

Primary Role

The manager of the Lillian Goldman Visitor Center will support Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) by assisting the visitors of Heritage Farm. This position will manage all operational aspects of the Lillian Goldman Visitors Center (LGVC). This encompasses offering help to customers with purchasing specific, related, or general lines of merchandise related to the SSE mission; answering questions in regard to Seed Savers Exchange and its origin and future mission; and supporting an LGVC team that offers excellent customer service and supports each other in the day to day tasks. At least 1 weekend day is required from March-October. The LGVC Manager will be required to work in the Seed House during the months of November-January as assigned by the Director of Business and Sales. During this off-season, the Director of Business and Sales will work with the LGVC Manager to allow time for preparations for the upcoming LGVC season.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• As the buyer, research new merchandise; determine replenishment needs according to stock levels of products; order products from vendors.
• Merchandise and curate products to make them inviting; follow basic principles of merchandising ( e.g. abundance, balance, placement).
• Create seasonal displays.
• Plan pop-up informal mini events to boost sales; offer hands-on interactive displays to enhance the visitor experience.
• Oversee the appearance of the LGVC and areas around the building, including the office, checkout area, front gardens, hanging baskets, sidewalks, and paths. Make sure the building is locked and secure at night.
• Answer customer inquiries and concerns.
• Collaborate with the Education Manager on the implementation of large interdepartmental events held at the LGVC. Engage with the local community for relationship and reciprocity.
• Attend the Decorah Chamber of Commerce Retail Meetings quarterly.
• Work the large events each season-Plant Sale, Conference and Campout, and the concert.
• Work with the marketing department on advertising and signage.
• Partner with membership to increase membership for SSE.
• Order transplants and other live merchandise and prepare them for sale at the Plant Sale each year.
• Accurately enter purchase orders into NetSuite, making sure the inventory item number, quantity, and rate matches the vendor’s invoice.
• Formulate pricing on merchandise according to requirements for the profitability of store operations.
• Maintain and update the LGVC employee manual and manager manual.
• Update the LGVC business plan with the Director of Business and Sales.
• Writing an update for inclusion in the monthly newsletter.
• Sharing a departmental update at the weekly Seed House meeting.
• Writing reports for presentation by the Director of Business and Sales at quarterly Board of Directors Meetings Being responsible for confidential information.
• Ensuring the continuous operation of the LGVC, seven days per week, from 10:00 am-5:00 pm daily from March 1 - October 31.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Responsible for supervising LGVC staff (typically 3 employees).
• Plan and prepare work schedules and assign employees to specific duties including general cleaning, ticketing of products when they arrive, replenishing stock, sending out brochures, working with live plants, and keeping the store organized.
• Ensure compliance of employees with established security, sales, and recordkeeping procedures and practices.
• Make sure staff have the required merchandise and gardening training to successfully answer SSE visitor questions and assist with their needs.
• Make sure the staff has a clear understanding of SSE's mission to effectively communicate with customers.
• Communicate with staff on ideas and operational expectations.
• Communicates effectively with the Director of Business and Sales through emails, phone calls, and/or meetings as needed.

Skills

Technology Skills

• Working knowledge of office software such as Microsoft Office or Google Docs (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation).
• Proficient with Point of Sales Systems.
• Ability to use, or learn to use NetSuite, or other CRM-based software.

Interpersonal Skills

• Punctuality and dependability with a strong work ethic.
• Friendly, patient, and responsive; must enjoy interacting with the general public.
• Collaborative with staff for interdepartmental matters.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to focus and prioritize.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a fast pace environment.

Physical Requirements

• Able to tend to store requirements and/or garden duties that will involve bending, stretching, kneeling, walking, and lifting (up to 35 lbs).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or commensurate experience.
• Gardening knowledge and skills preferred; interest in and desire to learn about gardening and seeds is essential.
• Business/retail skills required.

Benefits

• Paid PTO and Holidays
• Company-paid Long Term Disability
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Employee Merchandise Discounts
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401K with company match after eligibility period
• Wellness stipend
• Employee Merchandise Discounts

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Greenhouse Coordinator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Status: Regular, Full-time
Reports to:Farm Director
Supervisory Role: No
Compensation: Starting at $18.00/hour

Primary Role

The Greenhouse Coordinator will utilize their knowledge and experience in vegetable crop production and greenhouse production to grow high-quality transplants from over 40 different crop types each year. This position is part of the Field Operation Team and performs seed starting, fieldwork, and seed production activities. The Greenhouse Coordinator oversees fleshy seed processing of collection regeneration grow outs, in addition to coordinating activities and supporting crew leadership in fieldwork throughout the growing season. This person also leads Seed Saver’s pollination program by managing insects for controlled pollination.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Greenhouse Management

• Plan yearly sowing schedule in coordination with the farm director and field coordinator
• Responsible for seeding, watering, maintaining, thinning, potting-up, fertilizing, and the hardening-off of all seedlings
• Scout for pests/disease/phenotypic irregularities, implement IPM strategies, and keep detailed records
• Accurately document and communicate relevant information on seed emergence, purity, germination, and pest/disease problems to the field coordinator, farm director, and evaluation manager in a timely manner
• Train and supervise other field operations staff in greenhouse tasks as needed
• Source, order, rear, coordinate, and release beneficial insects into greenhouses and pollination cages
• Order and organize greenhouse supplies and materials with the assistance of the farm director
• Maintain, clean, and sanitize watering systems, greenhouse facilities and greenhouse supplies
• Coordinate watering for weekends and holidays
• Maintain accurate documentation of protocols and update greenhouse and IPM protocols yearly
• Maintain inter- and intra-departmental communication throughout the growing season to ensure timely transition of plants from greenhouse to field and proper evaluation within greenhouse
• Represent Seed Savers Exchange at conferences, events, and workshops to promote seed saving
• Perform additional duties as assigned by farm director

Seed Production and Crop Pollination

• Support overall seed production and field activities during peak times
• Incubate and release pollinators and beneficial insects into greenhouse and pollination cages according to strict schedules and regeneration needs
• Perform daily hand pollination inside cages as needed

Seed Processing

• Coordinate and perform harvest, seed extraction, fermentation, cleaning, drying, and conditioning for fleshy-fruited (wet seed) crops
• In coordination with the field coordinator, responsible for the final conditioning of both wet seed and dry seed crops, including using seed cleaning machines and tweezing by hand
• Maintain accurate harvest and processing records and enter them into Microsoft Access database

Job Sharing

• December-March, work in the Seed House shipping room, picking and packing orders. Depending on the needs of the department, responsibilities may vary widely during this time period

Skills

• Exceptional planning and organizational skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment in a calm and focused manner
• Exceptional ability to prioritize competing projects with a flexible attitude
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good computer and record-keeping skills are essential
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to operate company vehicles and machinery including weed whips, walk behind tractors, forklifts, and seed-cleaning machines

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 30 pounds routinely, 50 pounds occasionally
• Ability to work in temperature extremes such as warm greenhouses for extended periods of time
• Ability to work in all weather conditions for extended periods
• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for long periods

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field, equivalent years demonstrated practical work experience with training in greenhouse production or combination of education and experience
• A background in pathology and/or entomology is beneficial, but not essential
• Previous greenhouse work experience is required
• Applicants must have previous farm experience
• Self-motivated, energetic, goals-driven, problem solver
• Applicants must have a valid driver’s license

Benefits

• Paid PTO and Holidays
• Company-paid Long Term Disability
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Employee Merchandise Discounts
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401K with company match after eligibility period
• Wellness stipend
• Employee Merchandise Discounts

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Inventory Operations Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Status: Regular, Full-time
Reports to:Director of Business and Sales
Supervisory Role: No
Compensation: Starting at $25.00/hour

Primary Role

The Inventory Operations Manager coordinates all of the seed-specific Seed House activities, from forecasting, ordering & procurement, inventory management, and quality monitoring. They also assist the Collection to Catalog Committee with planning new product introductions for website and catalog sales.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain online webstore
• Manage/add/update items within NetSuite (inventory control program)
• Monitor open item fulfillments for delayed, missing or problem orders
• Oversee EOY inventory adjustment process
• Responsible for organic processor application, training, and compliance
• Monitor seed quality—germination, physical/biological/genetic contaminants, etc.
• Coordinate all raw inventory cycle counts throughout the season as well as a full inventory before fiscal year-end
• Using NetSuite forecasting tools, anticipate the need to order or grow seed in advance of when the product will be needed Collaborate with the Farm Director to plan onsite grow-outs and trial garden production
• Handle wholesale/raw material sales
• Proactively create a network of new and existing contract growers for seed production purposes and maintain correspondence with growers throughout the growing season
• Monitor Cooler/Drying Room
• Assist with the “Collection to Catalog” decision and implementation process
• Work in partnership with the field crew to ensure timely completion of inventory and testing prior to packing for the new season
• Coordinate with the Preservation department regarding off-site trials through the ADAPT program and other partner organizations
• Perform other duties as assigned by Sales & Business Director

Skills and Qualifications

• Excellent computer (Excel, NetSuite) and record-keeping skills
• Mechanical aptitude sufficient to operate, train, and troubleshoot packing and printing equipment
• Leadership and ability to foster a healthy, productive work environment
• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience
• Self-motivation, attention to detail, and ability to organize tasks

Physical Requirements

• Sitting/standing at the computer screen for extended periods
• Lifting up to 30 pounds routinely, and up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Periodic need to work in cool (45˚F) for extended periods

Benefits

• Paid PTO and Holidays
• Company-paid Long Term Disability
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Employee Merchandise Discounts
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401K with company match after eligibility period
• Wellness stipend
• Employee Merchandise Discounts

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Education and Engagement Intern

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (hourly)
Position Status: Full-time summer seasonal, 14 week duration
Reports to:Education and Engagement Manager
Supervisory Role: No
Compensation: 40 hour/week at $16.00/hour

Primary Role

Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) is seeking an Education and Engagement Intern for mid-May/early June through August 2023. The Education and Engagement Intern at SSE will help interpret Seed Savers Exchange’s story, work, and mission through a garden and farm signage project, enhancing the Heritage Farm visitor experience as a tour guide, through display garden maintenance, educational signage, and assisting with the planning and execution of summer SSE events. Occasional weekend work is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in telling the story of SSE’s history, work, and mission through Heritage Farm signage content creation, including signage for display gardens, visitors center, orchards, and trail system
• Schedule and lead Heritage Farm tours, sharing the story of SSE’s history, work, and mission
• Assist with the planning, preparation, implementation, and evaluation of online and in-person education and engagement events, including our annual conference
• Help maintain signage and overall appearance of SSE display gardens

Required Qualifications

• Strong written communication skills with experience telling stories through interpretive signage, museum work, graphic design, or other related areas of study
• Strong oral communication skills and comfort with public speaking in the form of leading group tours, participating in educational workshops, and engaging with visitors
• Interest in connecting and creating community, with an appreciation for learning from people of cultures, age groups, backgrounds, and belief systems different from your own
• Comfort and experience working with others in a group setting, with an ability to remain calm, confident, and flexible in a fast-paced, ever-evolving, and sometimes public work environment, learning alongside everyone on the team
• Organized, creative problem solver, with strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of or ability to learn online organizational systems such as Google Drive, spreadsheets, and event platforms
• Ability to perform physical activity including standing for extended periods of time, lifting, carrying (up to 50 lbs.), bending, kneeling, and other motions related to garden maintenance and event logistics

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the education field
• Experience with basic graphic design (Canva or Adobe)
• Knowledge of and experience with gardening
• Knowledge of and experience with seed saving
• Experience with video creation, editing, and presenting
• Experience with event planning

Benefits

• Shared housing offered
• Paid holidays

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Orchard Intern

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (hourly)
Position Status: Full-time summer seasonal, 14 week duration
Reports to:Development Director
Supervisory Role: No
Compensation: 40 hour/week at $16.00/hour

Primary Role

Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) is seeking an Orchard Intern with a flexible start date, preferably the end of May or early June. The Orchard Intern will complete historical research for cultivars in our collection, work on collection management in our custom database and spreadsheets, improve and expand the apple archive and other interpretive materials, and gain hands-on experience with our orchard revitalization project. This is a split office and field position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete in-depth research to determine accession policy compliance, regionality, and rarity of apple cultivars
• Assist with the planning and implementation of collection management projects
• Enhance the visitor experience by tagging trees, creating/printing orchard maps, and expanding public access to information
• Assist in maintaining and improving SSE historic orchards, including the implementation of biological control measures

Required Qualifications

• Strong written communication skills
• Organized, creative problem solver, with strong attention to detail
• Comfort and experience working with others in a group setting, with an ability to remain calm, confident, and flexible in a fast-paced, ever-evolving, and sometimes public work environment, learning alongside everyone on the team
• Knowledge of or ability to learn online organizational systems such as Google Drive, spreadsheets, and our custom Windows Access database
• Ability to perform physical activity including standing for extended periods of time, lifting, carrying (up to 50 lbs.), bending, kneeling, and other motions related to orchard maintenance

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an agricultural field
• Experience with hands-on orchard management or related work
• Experience with collection management and/or museum curation
• Basic carpentry skills and comfort with hand and power tools

Benefits

• Shared housing offered
• Paid holidays

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Iowa COVID-19 Recovery AmeriCorps Position

Service Dates: Preferred start date May/June through August/September
Hours/Week: Averaging 28 hours/week for a total of 450 hours
Application Deadline: Rolling
Compensation:$5,085 for 450 hours of service over 24 weeks with a living allowance

Primary Role

Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) Heritage Farm Experience AmeriCorps members, through the Iowa COVID-19 Recovery AmeriCorps program, will enhance accessibility to safe recreation, outdoor education, and local food production at SSE’s Heritage Farm. AmeriCorps members will help maintain display gardens, hiking trails, and historic orchards; engage visitors in Seed Savers Exchange’s nonprofit mission; and enhance self-guided tours, staff-led educational tours, and overall educational programming.

Primary responsibilities include maintenance of display gardens and hiking trails, orchard floor maintenance, campus beautification, and development and delivery of COVID-safe tours (in-person and/or virtual). AmeriCorps Members may also support SSE’s Education and Engagement team with the creation and development of our continued “how-to” video series and related publications. At the end of the summer, AmeriCorps members will glean from Heritage Farm gardens to share produce with local food pantries.Some weekend hours may be required.

Seed Savers Exchange is committed to providing a safe working environment and details of this position may change accordingly.

Living Allowance

COVID-19 Recovery AmeriCorps members are expected to provide 450 hours of service over 24 weeks with a living allowance of $5,085 over that term, which equals about $424 every two-week period.

For those currently receiving unemployment benefits, AmeriCorps is considered a training opportunity and thus does not interfere with your ability to collect unemployment.

Unique Benefits

Members will have the opportunity to attend and partake in professional development opportunities such as the Seed Savers Exchange Conference and Seed School, as well as work with and learn from SSE cofounder, Diane Ott Whealy in her garden at Heritage Farm.

At the end of a successful term of service, members will receive a SegalEducation award of $1,718.25. Student loan deferment is also available.

Depending on other household resources, AmeriCorps members may also be eligible to receive SNAP Benefits.

Requirements

AmeriCorps members must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or legal permanent residents. They must also have a high school diploma, GED, or be in progress of completion. AmeriCorps also requires National Service Criminal History Checks.

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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.