We’re pleased to share two opportunities to join the Organic Seed Alliance team. Both positions are for our research farm located in Chimacum, Washington on the Olympic Peninsula. Applications are being accepted through March 10, 2023. See below for details.
- Washington Field Research Assistant
- First Year Washington Field Intern
- Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Washington Field Research Assistant
Overview
Our mission is to advance ethical seed solutions to meet food and farming needs in a changing world. As the WA 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 our farm in Washington State serves as a testing ground and model for organic plant breeding, variety improvement and seed production for the Pacific Northwest region and for seed systems everywhere.
You will play a critical role in the day-to-day functioning of OSA within a mutually supportive and dedicated team, including a clear reporting and feedback relationship with the Northwest Research & Education Director and Washington Research Farm Manager. The Northwest Research & Education Director will provide direction for all research procedures. The Washington Research Farm Manager will provide direction for all field work and on-farm operations.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a non-exempt, full-time position with an hourly starting rate of $23/hour. This position is eligible for overtime pay, paid sick leave, paid vacation (starting at 10 days), two personal days, and 11 holidays. Benefits include $4,200 per year in medical wages is provided and an employer match of retirement savings of up to $2,000 per year is available. A $50 per month cell phone reimbursement is also available.
Location
Chimacum, Washington
Direct Supervisor/Reporting To
Northwest Research and Education Program Director
Responsibilities
Research Project Coordination
- Collaborate with Northwest R&E Director and WA Research Farm Manager to manage a diversity of field research projects including but not limited to crop variety trials, seed production, and plant breeding projects.
- Coordinate with WA Research Farm Manager on timing and protocols for data collection and reporting on variety trials and plant breeding projects. Tasks include implementing protocols for trial setup, management, and evaluations.
- Support participatory research with partnering farms in WA state as directed by WA Research and Education Director.
Research Farm Field Operations
- Assist with the cultivation and care of a 4-acre, certified organic research farm in coordination with, and direction from the WA Research Farm Manager.
- Attend to daily field needs including but not limited to cultivation and planting preparation, seeding, planting, irrigation, fertilization and weeding
- Support basic infrastructure maintenance and ongoing farm operations under direction of WA Research Farm Manager.
Participate in OSA Educational and Outreach Events
- Support and participate in OSA and partner events such as the biennial Organic Seed Growers Conference, OSA Annual Field Day, Jefferson County Farm Tour, Washington Organic Seed Summit
- Collaborate with the research and education team in development of educational resources, and various virtual and on-farm educational trainings.
- Support new project development and grant writing under guidance of the Northwest Research & Education Program Director
Qualifications
- Prior experience and familiarity with basic organic/ ecological gardening and farming practices required. Bachelor’s degree in agricultural field preferred, but not required
- Prior experience and familiarity with agricultural research preferred, but not required
- Attention to detail in tasks and organization of informationAbility to work outdoors in all weather conditions and ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Training in basic first aid, CPR and food safety (OSA will provide training)
- Ability to engage in a values-based work culture, dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
How to Apply
Please send a resume with relevant experience to Kayla Ierlan, kayla@seedalliance.org, by March 10, 2023. Please also include a cover letter that answers these questions: Why are you interested in seed research and becoming a part of the OSA team? What makes you well suited for this position?
First Year Washington Field Intern
Overview
As a part of the Washington Research and Education team you will play a vital role in Organic Seed Alliance’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.
The primary responsibility of this position is to support daily field operations at the OSA Washington research farm at the Finnriver Orchard and Cidery in Chimacum, WA, and on farm research sites in Washington. You will also learn seed growing and seed research skills through an online seed production course and applied on-farm internship position at the OSA Washington Research Farm in Chimacum, WA.
Timing and Compensation
This is a temporary position from April-October (exact dates tbd). Housing is not available and will need to be arranged independently. This is an hourly position at $16 per hour, 30-40 hours/week (total hours are negotiable), eligible for sick leave. Paid staff time is provided for engagement in online class and student-led projects at 2 hours/week. Additional time for independent study of class content and engagement will be necessary to fully leverage the course learning opportunity.
Location
Chimacum, Washington
Reporting To
Washington Research Farm Manager
Responsibilities and Scope of Work (including but not limited to)
- General field work and cultivation – seeding, planting, field preparation, irrigation, weed and fertility management, and harvesting
- Assist in record keeping and documentation of supplies, seed sources, and field activities
- Participate in trial evaluations, harvests and data collection and summarizing
- Harvesting, cleaning, germination testing, tracking, and storage of all seed produced at the research farm
- Participate in and support outreach and educational activities both on and off the farm
- Assist in general organizational and maintenance tasks (both in the field and in the office)
- Assist with field visits and events with partnering organizations and supporters
Qualifications
- Prior experience and familiarity with basic organic/ecological gardening and farming practices
- A desire to pursue seed growing and farming as a future livelihood
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Ability to engage in a values-based work culture, dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion
How to Apply
Please send a resume with relevant experience to Kayla Ierlan, kayla@seedalliance.org, by March 10, 2023. Please also include a cover letter that answers these questions: Why are you interested in seed research and becoming a part of the OSA team? What makes you well suited for this position?
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
OSA is an equal opportunity employer. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind based on an individual’s sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, hair texture and hair style, national origin, religion, age, marital status, veteran’s status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic or status protected by state, federal or local law. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, OSA will make reasonable accommodations of working conditions or methods to perform the duties of the position.
OSA’s Commitment to Diversity in Hiring
Our organization is anchored by values that guide our efforts to enhance the diversity, equity and inclusivity of our programs and organization. As we work toward our vision of ethical seed systems, we renew our commitment to grow a diverse and inclusive team of staff, board, contractors, and partners. As we celebrate the life-sustaining diversity of seed crops in our research fields, we also honor the many individual and intersectional differences that enrich our myriad seed community.
Specifically, we are committed to
- Recruiting and retention practices that add to the diversity and culture of our team
- Maintaining an equitable pay structure and cultivating a workplace that encourages shared decision-making and a healthy work/life balance
- Taking intentional actions to dismantle racism perpetuated in policies, institutions, cultural norms, and personal behaviors, to create space for justice, reconciliation, and visionary leadership.
