Seed Conservation Assistant

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring a Seed Conservation Assistant!

Are you passionate about plants and conservation research, excited about inspiring meaningful connections between people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility goals?

Seasonal (June – October)

Full-time hours (40 hours per week)

$18.75 hourly, non-exempt

Applications will be reviewed by March 31 (submission deadline)

The interview process will include a virtual Interview with the Director of Plant Science and Collection and Curator of Living Collections.

The Seed Conservation Assistant, along with the Plant Conservation Coordinator, is responsible for collecting, cleaning, recording, and storing seed for ex situ conservation in Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens seed bank. The Assistant will primarily work on the conservation of seed from taxa found in habitats vulnerable to climate change throughout Maine and may also assist with other tasks relating to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens seed banking program.

This is a seasonal position at 40 hours/week, typically Monday-Friday from June - October. Start and end times will vary day to day. Flexible start and end dates. The candidate will often work in the field and must have reliable transportation to and from field sites. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offers mileage reimbursement.

Primary Functions:

• With guidance from the Plant Conservation Coordinator, the Seed Conservation Assistant will:
• Identify plants in the field;
• Search for target taxa and collect seed for ex situ conservation programs;
• Keep detailed notes and records of all seed collections including GPS points and habitat data;
• Collect and prepare herbarium voucher specimens to accompany seed collections;
• Prepare seed for storage by cleaning, drying and labeling seed;
• Record seed collection and seed storage information in the IrisBG database
• Support volunteers working on seed cleaning

Physical Requirements:

Approximate percentages of time tasks are performed in carrying out the essential functions of this position:

• 70% of time bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above shoulder level, kneeling, hand/fingers used for repetitive motion, hands/fingers used for fine manipulation, hands/fingers used for firm grasping, head/neck in rotational movements, head/neck in extension movements, head/neck in flexing movements.
• 30% of time in sitting position.
• The maximum load employees will be required to lift/carry is 35 - 50 lbs. per Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Employee Manual.

• Coursework or training in plant science, botany, plant ecology, or a related field.
• Knowledge of plant taxonomy and nomenclature.
• Experience working independently outdoors and in the field including in remote locations.
• Experience identifying plants, collecting seeds, and collecting herbarium specimens
• Experience collecting and mapping spatial data using GPS and GIS.
• Experience using plant collection databases such as IrisBG or BRAHAMS preferred but not required.
• Commitment to working across the organization to support the integration of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) principles into the Gardens’ internal operations and its relationships with visitors and guests.