Organic Seed Alliance Seeks WA Field Research Assistant
Posted on February 18, 2023
Position Title:
WA Field Research Assistant
Position Summary
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.
Responsibilities:
Research project coordination:
● Collaboratively manage a diversity of field research projects including but not limited to crop variety trials, seed production, and plant breeding projects.
● Implementing protocols for variety trial setup, data collection, management, evaluations and reporting.
● Support participatory research with partnering farms in WA state
Research Farm Field Operations:
● Assist with the cultivation and care of a 4-acre, certified organic research farm
● 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
Participate in OSA educational and outreach events:
● Support and participate in OSA and partner events, including the Organic Seed Growers Conference
● 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 and 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 information
● Ability 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
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, and holidays as well as medical wages and matched retirement funds.
Apply:
Please send a resume with relevant experience to Kayla Ierlan, kayla@seedalliance.org, by March 3, 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?