Seed Bank Manager

Chicago Botanic Garden - Glencoe, IL, USA Position Title: Seed Bank Manager Position Type: Permanent Position Application Review Begins: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Institution: Chicago Botanic Garden Department/Division: Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank City: Glencoe, IL, USA Position Overview 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. Qualifications / Requirements Required 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 Preferred 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) Build collaboration and partnerships to grow Seed Bank collections (25 percent) Facilitate curation and maintenance of collection (20 percent) Coordinate the ethical and appropriate use of the collection (20 percent) Promote the Seed Bank through outreach and mentorship (5 percent) Compensation Range: $60,000.00 – $79,500.00 annually #J-18808-Ljbffr Botanical Society of America