Seed Bank Manager, Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank

Chicago Botanic Garden•Glencoe, IL

17h•Onsite

About The Position

This is a year-round, full-time Seed Bank Manager position at the Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank at the Chicago Botanic Garden, with an expected start date of October 2026. The Seed Bank Manager will be responsible for the strategic, administrative, and scientific leadership of the seed bank. Responsibilities include overseeing the seed bank’s operations and collections management; implementing seed-collection priorities; coordinating and expanding partnerships with local landowners, conservation organizations, and research institutions; and supporting seed-collection activities as needed. The Seed Bank Manager will work closely with staff, researchers, and external partners to advance conservation, germplasm sharing, and the use of seed bank collections for restoration and research. While the primary responsibility of this role is the management and development of the Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank, the Chicago Botanic Garden also supports the development of an integrated research program that leverages the seed bank’s collections. The successful candidate will join a collaborative community of scientists and land managers at the Chicago Botanic Garden and across partner institutions and will play a key role in advancing the seed bank as a regional and national resource for seed conservation and restoration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field
Three years of experience working in a seed bank or other plant collection
Three years of experience in project and data management, including coordinating activities across multiple partners or teams
Three years of experience working with diverse groups, including training, mentoring, or supervising students, volunteers, or staff
Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong project management and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in biology, ecology, or related field
Database experience and/or data analytical skills
Experience publishing scientific papers or reports using data on seed viability and/or germination
Previous successful experience securing funding to support conservation

Responsibilities

Develop and advance the Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank’s mission (30 percent)
Work with Seed Bank curator and staff to develop and advance the Seed Bank’s mission.
Work with experts to refine the Seed Bank priority collection list and Seed Bank documentation. Develop long-term collection goals and strategy.
Identify and work with an external advisory group to advise the Seed Bank’s future directions.
Oversee internal and public-facing seed collections database (BRAHMS).
Work with the Seed Bank assistant manager and volunteers to ensure the Seed Bank's day-to-day operations run smoothly.
Build collaboration and partnerships to grow Seed Bank collections (25 percent)
Work collaboratively with the senior manager of Seed Projects and Partnerships to develop collaborative partnerships with conservation organizations locally and in the tallgrass prairie region. Use the Seed Bank to assist partners in achieving conservation and restoration goals.
Identify seed sources and develop partnerships with conservation organizations and other landowners.
Work with partners to obtain appropriate permissions and permits.
Communicate with partners about seed-collection priorities.
Interface with the national Seeds of Success program (SOS), ensuring partners and collectors receive SOS training. Coordinate collections entering the SOS program and enter data.
Develop and refine Chicago Botanic Garden seed-collection training. Train partners and collectors.
Make seed collections as needed, and/or work with partners to collect seeds.
Facilitate curation and maintenance of collection (20 percent)
Assist the Seed Bank assistant manager and production staff with viability testing.
Ensure curation protocols are being implemented and oversee accurate data entry into the database (BRAHMS).
Work with the Collections Database administrator to manage data entry and curation and to conduct training as needed.
Collaboratively design and implement research projects to address key scientific questions.
Coordinate the ethical and appropriate use of the collection (20 percent)
Establish permission for seed use (for education, research, restoration) under partnership agreements.
Receive and respond to internal and external requests for seed use.
Work with the Seed Bank curator and students to facilitate research, including data collection to address research questions.
Assist in applying for funding to support seed bank operations and research.
Promote the Seed Bank through outreach and mentorship (5 percent)
Provide guidance to students and interns working in the Seed Bank.
Conduct community outreach, including lab tours and other public-facing events as needed.