Website Seed Savers Exchange
Crop Evaluation Technician
Tasks & Responsibilities:
Working with the evaluation team, the Student Evaluation Technician will help to document the physical traits (phenotypes) of garden crop varieties in the Preservation Collection at all stages of development. Primary responsibilities change by season and include species identification/confirmation, photography, data collection of field and greenhouse plants (Spring, Summer, and Fall), data collection on charismatic seeds (primarily beans and corn) in the laboratory (Fall and Winter), taste testing (Fall and Winter), researching trait diversity, developing trait metrics, and using collected data and images to write variety descriptions.
Qualifications:
Essential skills and attributes: ability to maintain both detailed records and to create meaningful, accurate summaries; ability to anticipate problems or logical inconsistencies before they ramify; ability to work independently and to know when clarification is needed. Beneficial experiences: data collection, data entry, and data summarization in field and laboratory settings; training in plant genetics/inheritance, plant taxonomy, plant science, and/or agriculture; and first-hand experience growing food.
Learning Opportunities:
Students will have the opportunity to collect many different types of data (quantitative, qualitative, and subjective), to contribute to growing digital and database collections, to work with experienced and knowledgeable plant scientists in an applied setting, to flex their creative muscles taking images, to learn about the amazing diversity of available garden crops, and to make a difference at a non-profit organization that lives and breathes its mission.
Additional Comments:
SSE’s farm, Heritage Farm, is located in the beautiful driftless region of Northeastern Iowa. Surrounded by exposed bluffs, spring-fed creeks, and locally-sustained small towns, it’s an amazing place to work, to play, and to be inspired. SSE staff have earned a reputation for being ideal mentors who develop structured projects where interns get 1-on-1 training, tons of hands-on experience, and sufficient feedback to ensure a successful and rewarding experience tailored to each student’s professional development needs; Casual. Close-toed shoes required. Sun protection (sun hat, long sleeved shirt, pants, and sunscreen)recommended. Reliable rain gear recommended.
