Field Assistant

California Field Assistant

Organic Seed Alliance (OSA)

Arcata, CA

Compensation and Benefits:

• Values-based work culture, dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Non-exempt, temporary, part-time (hours vary, approximately 20 hours per week July-Oct)
• $25/hour
• Eligible for paid sick leave (1 hour for every 30 hours of work)

Location: Arcata, California with fieldwork primarily occurring in Shively, CA.

Direct Supervisor/ Reporting To: Research and Education Director

Overview:

Our mission is to advance ethical seed solutions to meet food and farming needs in a changing world. As the CA Field Research Assistant, you will play a vital role in OSA’s work to grow organic seed systems that are democratic and just, support human and environmental health, and deliver genetically diverse and regionally adapted seed to farmers everywhere.

As we work with farmers and program partners from across the country and the globe, the research we conduct at for our California-based projects serves as a testing ground and model for organic plant breeding, variety improvement and seed production for the California region and for seed systems everywhere.

Your primary responsibility will be to manage organic seed field trials at our trial field at the College of the Redwoods (CR) Sustainable Agriculture Farm in Shively, CA. The primary research project will be the OSPREY project, with smaller research emphasis on SCOPE, TOMI, and partner organization seed growing projects.

Responsibilities:

Research Project Coordination:

• Manage organic vegetable seed field trials including crop establishment, maintenance, data collection, harvesting, and seed cleaning for tomatoes, broccoli, squash, and lettuce.
• Coordinate with CA Research Associate and Research and Education Director regarding timing and protocols for data collection, trial management, and data reporting.
• Implement standardized research protocols and ensure data integrity and quality.

Field Operations:

• Independently perform daily cultivation and maintenance of trial plots, including bed preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilization, weeding, harvesting, and coordinating with College of the Redwoods staff as needed.
• Maintain detailed field and harvest records.

Outreach and Education:

• Participate in and support field days, workshops, and other Organic Seed Alliance outreach events.
• Engage with project partners and collaborators from College of the Redwoods and the broader organic farming community.

Qualifications:

• Prior experience and familiarity with organic/ecological farming or gardening practices required.
• Experience in agricultural research and data collection preferred.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Reliable vehicle and willingness to commute to the trial site in Shively, CA.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and lift at least 50 pounds.
• Commitment to a values-based work culture emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To Apply:

• Email a cover letter and resume to jared fieldassistant@seedalliance.org

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 30 per week

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Arcata, CA 95521: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Arcata, CA 95521

Salary : $25