OPPORTUNITIES
Do you know of interested individuals who might like to become contract botanists with the Seeds of Success / Millennium Seed Bank Project to help conserve seeds in the Midwestern and Great Plains states? Feel free to use our recruitment flyer to display on department or institution bulletin boards, etc. - to help get the word out about this international, national, and regional conservation project.
Become a Volunteer
Become a Contract Botanist
VOLUNTEERING FOR SEEDS OF SUCCESS
WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP US :
Locate populations of target species
Inform CBG staff of population’s readiness for seed collection
Collect and clean seeds
Mount herbarium specimens
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:
For seed cleaning must be okay with encountering insects (usually dead), have no respiratory problems, and have good vision. Hours are flexible and can be worked out with supervisor.
For seed counting, weighing, and freezing must be able to stand for a few hours
Attention to detail, following instructions, and asking questions to understand assignments.
Interest and enthusiasm in conservation of native plants!
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT: Training for seed cleaning and herbarium mounting will be provided by CBG staff.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER: Please contact us at msb@chicagobotanic.org.
BECOMING A CONTRACT BOTANIST FOR SEEDS OF SUCCESS
WE ARE LOOKING FOR CONTRACT BOTANISTS TO:
Independently collect a minimum of 5,000 seeds per population from species on our target list
Collect a minimum of two herbarium voucher specimens per collection
Fill out a data sheet
Contractors will be paid for their effort
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:
Experience in identifying native species using flora reference books
Although seed collecting experience is not necessary, you must know the difference between the fruit and the seed
Must be able to create herbarium specimens and use a GPS. Both a press and GPS unit can be loaned on a first come, first served basis.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT: If needed, training for seed collecting will be provided by CBG staff. See contractor page for more details.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A CONTRACT BOTANIST: Please contact us at msb@chicagobotanic.org.