The Theodore Payne Foundation is seeking a Seed and Conservation Program Lead who is energized by work that moves between the field and the nursery. This position spans field seed collection, processing, and propagation for our Local Source Initiative, and nonprofit retail seed and merchandise management, a combination that reflects how conservation, horticulture, and retail nursery operations connect at TPF.The role reports to the Seed and Conservation Program Manager and works closely with other members of the Nursery and Production teams. It’s a good fit for someone who finds both sides of that work meaningful and wants to see how they reinforce each other.Key Responsibilities
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Program & Personnel Support• Scheduling and coordination of Nursery Team staff, volunteers, and interns to support the daily operations of Seed and Conservation Program within the Horticulture Department.• Provide guidance to other staff related to seed packaging, collection, handling and processing.• Promote a collaborative, safe, and efficient work environment.

‍Seed Retail & Inventory Management• Assist Seed and Conservation Program Manager in overseeing seed store inventory, including tracking, organization, and restocking.• Support seed merchandise quality control to ensure accuracy, viability, and presentation standards.• Assist with seed merchandise production as needed• Uphold best practices appropriate for a nonprofit retail setting including public-facing interactions and customer service.Seed Conservation & Fieldwork• Participate in seasonal, regional seed collection fieldwork in both collaborative and leadership capacities.• Assist with mapping, recordkeeping, and data management for seed collections.• Apply conservation ethics and protocols to ensure responsible and sustainable seed collection.

‍Seed Processing & Propagation• Conduct seed processing activities including cleaning, viability checks, and storage.• Assist with sowing seeds and supporting propagation efforts within the nursery.• Maintain accurate records related to seed accessions including processing and propagation methods and outcomes.

‍Preferred Qualifications

We welcome candidates who bring a strong combination of the following.• Demonstrated interest in California native plants, ecology, and conservation. Plant identification skills are a plus.

• Experience in at least one of the following: horticulture, seed work, nursery production, conservation, or environmental field programs.• Comfort with physical outdoor work in varying conditions, including fieldwork in remote or rugged terrain

.• Basic experience with mapping or data tools (Avenza, Google Earth, GIS, spreadsheets, or similar).

• Organizational skills and ability to manage concurrent tasks across field, nursery, and retail settings.• Some experience leading or guiding staff, volunteers, or interns, or clear readiness to step into that role.

• Comfort presenting, instructing, or teaching

• Valid driver's license and ability to conduct day-trips for seed collection fieldwork.

‍Benefits

‍• Sick and vacation time

• Professional development opportunities

• Staff discount

‍Schedule & Compensation

‍• 40 hours per week

• Tuesday through Saturday, generally 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Starting pay: $25.00/hr

‍To Apply

‍Send a cover letter, resume, and references to jobs@theodorepayne.org with the subject line: Seed and Conservation Program Lead.

‍About the Theodore Payne FoundationThe Theodore Payne Foundation is a nonprofit nursery and educational organization that promotes the understanding and use of California native plants. Located on 22 acres of canyon land in the Sun Valley neighborhood of Los Angeles, TPF operates the region's largest California native plant retail nursery and seed store, alongside a gift shop featuring books, native plant-themed clothing, and merchandise. The property also maintains display gardens, production fields, natural areas, and indoor and outdoor classroom spaces.

TPF offers classes, events, and outreach programs across the region, all focused on making the landscape of Southern California more sustainable and biodiverse. For more information, visit theodorepayne.org.

TPF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All activities are conducted without discrimination based on race, color, genetics, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. TPF is committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.