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Seed Collection Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Production Technician

Litchfield, IL

$15.25 - $19/hr

This role contributes to continuous improvement through data collection, preventative maintenance ... Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a ...

... data collection, harvesting, and sales demonstration trials. Provide general support for ... seed preparation, sampling, detasseling, rogueing, and other field activities. * Assist with ...

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Seed Collection information

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:

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.

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Seasonal Packager
IFSI is seeking a highly motivated Seasonal Packager with primary responsibilities in Tolono, IL. This position will assist with seed conditioning, packaging, warehousing and shipping efforts. The packaging season lasts through spring and could continue later depending on product and company needs.
Hours Monday - Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
IFSI is an independent company delivering leading research, product development, licensing and production for the seed industry's vegetable and field crops.
Our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Dedication, Collaboration, and Drive are the foundations of our success. We seek a Research Farm Technician who embodies and upholds these values in their daily work. At IFSI our brand purpose is "Growing Together." We believe in fostering growth not only in our research programs but also with our customers, partners, team members, and the environment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Lead and execute crop management (fertilizer, weed and pest control) for on-site and off-site trials and nurseries. Activities may include spraying herbicides, maintaining accurate application records, and coordinating with 3rd party cooperators and applicators.
  • Lead field prep activities in the spring as well as fall field cleanup and tillage.
  • Lead all research farm activities related to equipment operation, maintenance, repair, and upkeep of research facilities.
  • Coordinate and complete irrigation activities according to needs of the station breeding programs.
  • Assist with activities related to variety testing, including coordinating testing sites, seed preparation, inventory management, planting, plot maintenance, and data collection.
  • Assist in leadership of pollination, tissue sampling, data collection and disease inoculation in breeding nurseries.
  • Assist with nursery harvest, drying, shelling, and treating of resulting seed.
  • Lead part-time and seasonal labor daily to accomplish goals of the research program.
  • Execute research project protocols, generating high quality, accurate, and timely data to support breeding decisions
  • Collaborate and support breeding program activities as needed.
  • Ensure all tasks are completed in a safe, accurate and efficient manner and lead process improvement in these areas.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities:
  • Operating seed packaging equipment.
  • Operating seed cleaning equipment.
  • Responsible for housekeeping duties on the production floor (sweeping and cleaning equipment).
  • Assist with customer incoming/outgoing warehouse shipments and orders.
  • Assist with warehousing activities.

Qualifications / Knowledge Needed:
  • Ability to lift up to 60 LBS on a regular basis.
  • Forklift experience desired but not required.
  • Strong work ethic focused on attention to detail, productivity accuracy and timeliness.
  • Reliable transportation to and from the jobsite.
  • Must have proficient written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Able to wear mask if needed during certain times due to crop dust conditions.
  • Capable of working long hours/possible weekends during critical seasonal periods.

Leadership Capabilities Desired:
  • Team oriented, innovative, trusted, results oriented.
  • Flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced, multi duty work environment.
  • Possess work ethic that strives for excellence in productivity, accuracy and timeliness.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits:
  • This position has an hourly pay range of $18.00 to $20.00 an hour.
  • The pay range is merely an estimate and based on market data/ranges, an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience.

Reporting:
  • This position reports to the Product Technician Lead.

IFSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer