Native Seed Project Coordinator

The Clifton Institute is seeking a Native Seed Project Coordinator to run a project with the goal of launching the native seed industry in Virginia. This full-time position will be based at the Clifton Institute, but the job will involve regular travel in the state, especially to the Coastal Zone. The term of the position will be 13 months. Pending a satisfactory performance review, the position may be extended if more funds become available.

The Project

There is substantial demand for seeds of native wildflowers and grasses for grassland restoration, native meadow plantings, and pollinator-friendly solar installations in Virginia. But seeds of several species of plants that are characteristic of native grasslands in Virginia, and beneficial for pollinators, are unavailable from seed companies. Furthermore, seeds of most species that are available have out-of-state genetics, which limits their utility to restore plant communities.

This project is supported by a DEQ Coastal Zone Management grant as well as donor funds. The Native Seed Project Coordinator will lead the effort to collect wild seeds, grow seedlings, and work with farmers to produce crops of native wildflowers with Virginia genetics. The primary partner for this phase of the project is the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Duties

• Recruit and enroll new farmers in the Coastal Zone and provide them technical assistance.
• Assist in seedling out-planting and harvesting seeds from crops.
• Oversee drying, cleaning, shipping, and short- and long-term storage.
• Meet with end users (e.g. VDOT, utility scale solar companies, DWR, DCR, counties and municipalities) to learn about the demand for native seeds.
• Develop a long-term business plan to sustain native seed production.
• Refine harvest and cleaning methods.
• Evaluate the need for in-state harvesting and cleaning equipment and cold storage.
• Recruit, organize, and train volunteers to help with seed collection and processing.
• Assist other staff to grow wildflower and grass seedlings in the greenhouse.
• Represent the Clifton Institute in the Mid Atlantic Seed Hub and the ecotype subcommittee of the Virginia Pollinator-Smart Program.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of native seed production, seed collection and processing, native plant propagation, grassland restoration, or related field required.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders in person and virtually and build relationships with farmers and volunteers.
• Knowledge of grassland flora of eastern North America or ability to translate knowledge of species of another region to Virginia species.
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife management, ecology, biology, botany or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of conservation genetics and ex-situ plant conservation a plus.
• Driver’s license and well-maintained personal vehicle capable of long-distance driving required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English required.
• Must be authorized to work in the US.

Compensation

• The salary will be $55,000 per year.
• Mileage for your personal vehicle will be reimbursed at the current federal rate (currently $0.70 per mile).
• Full-time employees accrue 160 hours of paid time off annually. We also recognize 10 paid holidays.
• The employee will enjoy a flexible work schedule and a generous compensatory time policy.
• We have competitive health, dental, and retirement benefits as well as life insurance.

Timeline

This is a 13-month position, with a target start date of August 1st. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the closing date for applications will be July 15th.

How to Apply
Please send applications to jobs@cliftoninstitute.org. Please include a resume and a cover letter describing your interest in the position. Please also provide the names and email addresses of at least three references.

In the administration of its employment policies and practices, The Clifton Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, veteran status, matriculation, political affiliation or genetic information.

Updated June 27 2025.