Position Overview
The Native Seed Production & Processing Technologist plays a critical role in supporting and optimizing the production, collection, and processing of native seeds. This position is responsible for developing and standardizing operating procedures for a variety of native seed species, training and leading seasonal staff, and assisting with research and innovation in seed enhancement and quality improvement. The successful candidate will work across field, lab, and processing environments to ensure high-quality seed production for ecological restoration and commercial purposes.
About Northern Wildflowers
Northern Wildflowers is a family-owned business located just West of Sudbury in Lively and Whitefish Ontario. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with high quality, sustainably collected and farmed wildflower seed. Our products include native wildflower and vegetable seed. Our services include landscaping, consulting, and contracted seed collection.
Seed Production & Field Operations
- Develop and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to produce diverse native seed species.
- Train and lead summer students in on-farm activities, including:
- Establishing new production plots.
- Weeding, harvesting, and soil remediation.
- Implementing best practices for wild seed collection.
- Develop wild seed collection schedules and target yields.
- Conduct field assessments to determine proper seed collection times and techniques.
- Provide training and resources to new contract growers and conduct farm visits to ensure seed crop quality.
- Assist in developing a 5-year crop plan for the farm to support long-term seed production goals.
- Tool and equipment maintenance.
Seed Cleaning & Processing
- Learn to operate a variety of seed cleaning equipment and help develop best practices for cleaning novel native crops.
- Support the development of more efficient seed cleaning processes.
- Conduct quality testing on wild-collected and farm-produced seed to ensure industry standards are met.
- Assist in seed packaging, storage, and shipping logistics.
Seed Research & Innovation
- Coordinate the testing of new seed enhancement recipes in both field and lab environments.
- Support ongoing research partnerships related to seed production, processing, and restoration applications.
- Assist in new product development.
Qualifications & Skills
- All training will be provided, however a diploma or experience in agriculture, trades, mechanical operations, or a related field would be considered assets.
- Hands-on experience with farm equipment, mechanical aptitude, and general agricultural work is an asset.
- Comfort working in field, workshop, and laboratory settings.
- Physical labor required, including lifting, walking long distances, and operating farm equipment.
Why Join Us?
- Contribute to the growth of Canada’s native seed supply chain and ecological restoration efforts.
- Be part of a growing family-owned business with a supportive company culture that prioritizes work-life balance.
Application Process: Quoting the job title, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found. The ideal start date is July 2026. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada at the time of application.
Term: start date is as soon as possible. This is a one-year contract position with the intention to transition into a permanent role for a successful candidate.
Pay: $22.00-$29.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
