Native Seed and Plant Coordinator

Title:Native Seed and Plant Coordinator

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Department:Windy City Harvest

Reports to: Senior Manager, Farm Operations

Year-Round Full-time, four-year term; funding subject to change (continued employment contingent on ongoing program funding)

Supervises: Windy City Harvest Apprentices, Corps, Volunteers

Year-Round Full-time employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following Benefits:

• 2026 A Guide to Your Benefits JP.pdf

Compensation Philosophy:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

Our objective is to create compensation and growth opportunities for our employees that are highly competitive, internally equitable and transparent. The foundation of our efforts is a straightforward approach that can be easily communicated by managers with defined pay ranges for all positions. When posting job openings, we share the minimum salary up to the budgeted amount.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate's qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidate's salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual's contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.

Position Overview: We are seeking a passionate Native Seed and Plant Coordinator knowledgeable about native plant production and seed collection to join our urban agriculture team. This four-year term position, beginning after February 2026, focuses on cultivating regionally appropriate native plant species, producing high-quality seeds and plants, and supporting ecological restoration sustainable growing efforts in urban settings. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of native flora, seed saving practices, and regenerative growing techniques, with a commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• Collaborate with the Negaunee Institute science team and other regional partners to identify, develop, and/or use best practices to propagate seeds and/or plants of a diverse range of native species in demand in the Chicago region for retail and wholesale sales.
• Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Farm Operations, use sustainable methods to maintain native plant production beds and plants through weeding, watering, dead heading, fertilizing, planting, transplanting, pruning, winterizing, trellising, releasing beneficial insects, removing debris, etc.
• Operate and maintain greenhouse, hoop house, low tunnels, and outdoor growing area for plant production or propagation.
• Collaborate with Negaunee Institute science team to develop and implement a system for processing, cleaning, storing, and distributing seed.
• Develop and maintain schedules and detailed records of plant growth, time and resources used to manage beds, and seed yields. Work with Negaunee Institute science team to synthesize and share best practices through the Midwest Native Seed Network.
• Monitor plant health and growing conditions using organic and ecological practices.
• Transport plants, plant material, and supplies to and from the Chicago Botanic Garden, Farm on Ogden, and/or contracted vendors.
• Implement a system on soil health management, pest control, irrigation, and composting.
• Collaborate with the Negaunee Institute science team to support research and tracking of native species performance in urban conditions.
• Operate and maintain inventory of tools and equipment.
• Support Windy City Harvest program, providing work experience for trainees from August to October.
• Educate staff, participants, volunteers, and community members on native plant benefits and seed saving techniques.
• Participate in Windy City Harvest meetings and events.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Associate's degree in Horticulture, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or other related field, or a combination of education and hands-on work experience.
• Two growing seasons of related experience in horticulture, agriculture, and/or ecological restoration.
• At least one year of direct experience working in a greenhouse or nursery setting, including germinating and growing different plant species and/or maintaining seed beds of diverse species.
• Strong knowledge of local-regional native plant species and their ecological roles. Understanding of urban biodiversity, pollinator support, and habitat connectivity.
• Familiarity with native seed collection ethics, techniques, and germination strategies.
• Commitment to sustainable and regenerative agriculture principles.
• A valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Must have or be able to obtain a pesticide applicator's license.
• The ability to lift 50 pounds and capacity to work in all weather conditions.
• The ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively to coordinate site production.
• Experience following and tracking budgets accurately with Excel.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to speak with all levels of employees, guests, and team members and the ability to communicate effectively via email, phone, virtual video meetings, in-person, etc.
• Able to efficiently use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and Outlook email system.

Physical Demands:

This is an urban farm setting. Staff must be able to work on their feet all day in all weather conditions performing manual labor. There will be frequent lifting, standing, walking, bending, farm tool usage, and machinery operation, as well as speaking to public, staff, and program participants. There will also be daily use of small farm machinery and post-harvest equipment. Staff are required to lift, push, and pull items up to 50 pounds.

To Apply: To apply, submit an application and upload a resume for this position. Please do not submit a cover letter; instead, complete the four questions provided in the application.

Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX coordinator should you have questions or concerns.