Native Seed Technician

Employment type: Part-time – Intern, with potential in other roles to fill full-time hours and extend the season.

Hourly rate starting at $22-$25 based on experience. This internship can run approx. 26-28 weeks, 3 days per week depending on season conditions. This position can also be adapted to suit students returning to study. Additionally, opportunities are available in nursery production and landscaping roles for the right candidate.

This position has the potential for a second year, with the opportunity to become permanent for the right candidate. 

Job Description:

The intern will conduct activities related to the collection, cleaning, and storage of native plant/shrub/tree seeds. The intern’s time will be split between the nursery/seed orchard location and collection sites in Parry Sound/Muskoka. This position requires a high level of individual responsibility, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a positive attitude toward working in all weather. A strong ability to work independently, completing substantial tasks without direct supervision at times is required. The seed collection intern will be required to with a high level of accuracy, document a variety of data pertinent to seed collection, operation of the seed orchards, and of the seed bank. 

Qualifications:

• On the job training will be provided with regard to methodologies, procedures and data integrity, however, education/experience in ecology, botany, horticulture, agriculture, scientific research, related fields, and/or relevant work experience is considered an asset.
• Experience with plant propagation, nursery production, and species identification skills relevant to native plants of Ontario is considered advantageous.
• Experience using GPS, GIS, paper maps, and database software.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and hike at times through rough and difficult terrain.
• Proven ability to work in accordance with health and safety obligations. 

Duties:

The Intern will assist with the following duties;

• Collection of native seed from on-site seed orchards and wild harvest sites
• Develop seed collection schedules and meet target yields
• Conduct field assessments to determine proper seed collection times and techniques.
• Maintain seed inventories and the seed bank database.
• Ensure seed quality by conducting viability and germination testing.
• Operate seed harvest and seed cleaning tools/equipment.
• Help to develop best practices for cleaning novel species.
• Seed propagation.
• Identify and control undesired species in seed orchards and nursery stock.
• Maintain an efficient and organized job site.

  Preference will be given to those with a clean driver’s abstract and their own means of transportation to and from work. Personal use of your vehicle to seed collection sites may be required from time to time and Milage will be reimbursed (negotiable).

Note: 

Hidden Habitat is located in a rural area of Gravenhurst Ontario, in the District of Muskoka. As such, public transportation is not available. On-site housing is also not available. The Native Seed Technician position is partially supported through the World Wildlife Fund- Canada as part of their Seed Orchards program.

To Apply: 

Please apply via email to info@hiddenhabitat.ca. Your cover letter and resume should outline in detail, how your education and experience meet the job requirements above.  Deadline: March 31, 2025.

Hidden Habitat is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.