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Seed Collection Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

GENEVA PARK DISTRICT

Part- Time Naturalist

Geneva, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

... removal, seed collection, plantings, etc. 10. General maintenance of the Peck House, buildings, and grounds. Communications: 1. Inform the Manager of Peck Farm and Program Coordinator of all ...

Illinois Foundation Seeds

Seasonal Packager

Tolono, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... seed preparation, inventory management, planting, plot maintenance, and data collection. * Assist in leadership of pollination, tissue sampling, data collection and disease inoculation in breeding ...

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See Illinois salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do seed collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for seed collection in Illinois is $17.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seed collection?

A Seed Collection job involves gathering seeds from plants in natural habitats for conservation, reforestation, or research purposes. Workers identify target species, collect seeds responsibly, and document collection data. This role may require travel, fieldwork, and knowledge of plant identification and ecology. Seed collectors often work for environmental organizations, government agencies, or botanical institutions. Proper handling and storage of seeds are essential to maintain their viability for future use.

What does a seed collection worker do?

A typical day in Seed Collection often involves traveling to specific field sites, identifying target plants, and carefully gathering mature seeds according to established guidelines. You may spend considerable time outdoors, sometimes in remote areas or varying weather conditions, and will document your findings using data sheets or digital devices. Collaboration with botanists, ecologists, or agricultural teams is common, especially when planning collection strategies or delivering collected materials. Your work may also include cleaning, sorting, and storing seeds to ensure their viability for future use. This role requires both independent fieldwork and teamwork, offering a dynamic work environment for those passionate about plant conservation and research.

What skills and qualifications are needed for seed collection?

To thrive in Seed Collection, you need knowledge of plant identification, basic botanical fieldwork, and physical fitness to handle outdoor environments. Familiarity with GPS devices, data recording tools, and sometimes certifications in botany or natural resources management are often beneficial. Attention to detail, patience, and strong observational skills help you excel in tracking seed sources and documenting findings accurately. These abilities ensure the integrity and success of conservation projects, ecological restoration efforts, and agricultural breeding programs that depend on high-quality seed sourcing.

What are popular job titles related to Seed Collection jobs in Illinois?

For Seed Collection jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Seed Collection jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Seed Collection jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Seed Collection jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Seed Collection job openings:

Seed Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seed Collection job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 40% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,663 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Fall Native Seed Collection Seasonal

McHenry County Conservation District

Woodstock, IL • On-site

$16.75 - $18.82/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

STATUS: Full-time, seasonal LOCATION: Facility north of HuntleyANTICIPATED STARTING RATE: $16.75 per hour WAGE RANGE: $16.75-$18.82 per hour JOB OVERVIEW Gain experience in the natural resources field by working alongside our skilled Ecologists! Spend the fall collecting and processing native seed with a team in pristine natural resource environments while expanding your knowledge in areas such as native flora, plant identification, and native seed collection and processing. Work schedule is typically a 40-hour week, Monday-Friday. What are we looking for? An applicant with some knowledge of Midwestern native plant communities, and native plant identification and terminology skills preferred. Additionally, someone in the process of obtaining a Bachelor's degree relating to the field of biology or natural resources, or possess equivalent knowledge and experience working in the field of biology or natural resources. Beginning professionals within a related field are encouraged to apply. Driving is an essential part of the job, so for your safety and those around you, we require applicants to have a current, valid driver's license and complete a pre-employment drug screening. Job responsibilities require regularly lifting up to 50lbs. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years of age at the time of your start date.  YOU WILL GAIN FROM THIS EXERIENCE: Become proficient in the safe operational use of tools and equipment used in ecological restoration work such as an ATV, UTV, trailers, tractors, mechanical seed harvesters, seed drying wagon, and seed processing equipment, such as a hammer mill.Become proficient in native plant and seed identification skills.Become proficient in techniques for collecting and processing native seeds.  INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: While we do not provide a formal internship program, if you need to obtain college credits through an internship we are open to further discussing the criteria your college is looking for in a program to determine if the District has the time and resources to fulfill those needs.  CLOSING DATE: Until filled  BENEFITS: Accrual of paid leave under the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act.  Questions: Contact Human Resources at 815-451-8244.  We are committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and fairness in our workforce, culture, and programming so that our work reflects and celebrates the communities we serve. We strive for an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates diverse voices in service to conservation.Further, the McHenry County Conservation District (the "District") IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Employment with the District is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, age, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, marital status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy or related medical conditions or any other legally protected status.Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/ interview process should notify the Human Resources Manager.We require applicants to have a current, valid driver's license and complete a pre-employment drug screening due to driving being essential to the job. 
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