Coordinator, Semillas Compartidas; Shared Seeds Initiative

Final date to receive applications:
October 7, 2025

Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate‑resilient future for all.

To support this work, we are looking for a Coordinator, Semillas Compartidas (Shared Seeds) Initiative to join our Forest Restoration team.

As a part of the team, you will be responsible for developing our thornforest seed banking efforts in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. This individual will advance conservation of an imperiled ecosystem through day‑to‑day field and nursery‑based activities. Major responsibilities include:

• Alongside Manager, Semillas Compartidas Initiative, develop a dependable source of wild‑collected seeds from over 30 subtropical thornforest species used in restoration of national wildlife refuge lands in South Texas
• Complete plant phenology monitoring and wild seed collection activities throughout the year at remote field sites using various harvest methods
• Complete nursery‑based seed processing and banking activities using various methods of cleaning, drying, weighing and sealing
• Complete viability and germination testing among stored seed lots as needed
• Data entry and transcription of collected and processed seed totals using apps and other software
• Coordinate logistics of daily/weekly/monthly field collection site visits, processing & seed storage activities
• Assist in drafting summaries of seed inventory and other reporting on a regular basis
• Facilitate field collection/nursery seed bank interactions with agency staff, private nursery growers, landowners, researchers and other partners
• Coordinate seed collection and banking assistance opportunities with students, citizen scientists, Texas Master Naturalist chapters, youth organizations and others as needed
• Ensure performance of all tasks in accordance with safety policies (federal and organizational), including use of facilities and equipment safely and respectfully

• Alongside American Forests staff assist with various seedling production and nursery maintenance activities throughout the year as needed, including but not limited to: germination, seedling care, pre‑production and pre‑planting duties

• Alongside American Forests staff, assist with public engagement directed at local communities, including but not limited to: hosting information booths at local events, giving project‑related interviews to media outlets and participating in environmental literacy programs for underserved residents
• Each Forest Restoration team member is required to perform or assist with the following: (a) janitorial duties at Marinoff facilities, (b) moving/transporting materials, tools, equipment from one location to another, (c) maintenance including but not limited to mowing, weeding Marinoff facilities, fixing screens, fixing irrigation, fixing tables. We operate as a cohesive team, ensuring that we all take responsibility for our equipment and facilities, with the expectation that everyone upholds the same standard.

We don’t expect you to check every single box. If this role excites you, we want to hear from you! We’re interested in your ability to learn, collaborate, and bring fresh perspectives.

• Minimum of 1‑2 years of relevant experience, including: working in a plant nursery or other agricultural/forestry sector environment
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detailed reporting
• The capacity to build and maintain relationships with USFWS staff, private landowners, researchers and volunteers, and to work effectively in a larger American Forests team environment, both regionally and nationally
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme conditions year‑round