Call for Expressions of Interest: Seed Orchard Coordinator

Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada (WPEFC)

The Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada is inviting expressions of interest for a contract Seed Orchard Coordinator to support the conservation and restoration of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) and limber pine (Pinus flexilis). This is a unique opportunity to lead coordination efforts and support strategic management at our seed orchard site.

About the Role

This is not a research-focused position but a facilitation and coordination role requiring strong organizational and collaborative skills. The Seed Orchard Coordinator serves as the primary liaison among partners, helps drive planning and operations, and ensures alignment across agencies and stakeholders.

• Estimated Hours: ~5 hours/week, fluctuating seasonally
• Annual Commitment: ~260 hours
• Travel Required: Early summer and fall (orchard site visits)
• Location Preference: Candidates located near the Elkhart Seed Orchard (e.g., West Kelowna, Merritt, and surrounding areas) are encouraged to apply

To Apply

Please submit:

1. A cover letter outlining your interest, relevant experience, and your approach to coordinating seed orchard operations (include your hourly rate)
2. A resume or organizational profile with a summary of related projects and skills

Deadline & Submission

Expressions of interest are being reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
We encourage you to submit your materials as soon as possible for full consideration.

Send applications to: info@whitebarkpine.ca
For questions, contact: hailey@whitebarkpine.ca

 

 

For full details, please see the complete posting below:

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Seed Orchard Coordinator Contract
Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada

The Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada (WPEFC) is seeking expressions of interest from qualified individuals to serve as a Seed Orchard Coordinator. This role is critical in supporting the conservation and restoration of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) and limber pine (Pinus flexilis) through seed orchard management, coordination, and strategic planning.

SCOPE OF WORK

This role serves as a facilitator and primary liaison, requiring exceptional organizational and collaboration skills. It is not a research-focused position. Monthly hours fluctuate seasonally averaging around 5 hours per week, with travel to the site required during early summer and fall. Workload is minimal during July, August, September, and December, but increases during June (for onsite volunteer and Orchard Day events), as well as in January, February, March, and October. The role is designed for an annual commitment of approximately 260 hours.

1. Administration
Facilitation

• Serve as the primary liaison to enhance Seed Orchard communication among partners and stakeholders, ensuring clarity and minimizing duplication of effort.
• Coordinate and organize partner inputs for meetings to facilitate productive discussions and resolutions.
• Manage administrative tasks by handling logistics, addressing inquiries, and implementing and following expert guidance to support partner operations efficiently.

Funding

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities for seed orchard projects.
• Develop manageable project plans for submission to funding agencies.
• Draft funding proposals to secure ongoing financial support.

Budgeting

• Estimate project operational (non-salary) costs for budgeting purposes.
• Track in-kind support and document contributions.
• Create a wishlist of materials and supplies for WPEFC approval before procurement.

Reporting

• Report on project progress, meetings hosted, participant affiliations, agreements drafted, and next steps.
• Assist in finalizing the WPEFC Seed Orchard Business Plan and ensure files are well-organized and maintained.

2. Interagency Collaboration & Meetings

• Attend partner meetings and represent WPEFC and Host regular interagency working group meetings to establish whitebark and limber pine seed orchards:
  • Seed Orchard Working Group
  • Seed Orchard Committee
• Consolidate information and expert advice.
• Draft agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with interagency partners as needed.
• Maintain an irrigation partnership with the Elkhart gas station.
• Liaise with the BC Government regarding material deployment into clone banks (PGTIS/Skimikin)and government-run orchards (PGTIS).

3. Data Coordination Support

• Support QA/QC on data between partner agencies, WPEFC, and BC MoF.
• Support with and coordinate maintenance of key datasets, including:
  • Parent tree list
  • Breeding values
  • Current inventory of grafts
  • Current inventory of materials in orchards/clone banks

4. Operations

• Oversee site maintenance and management, including coordinating the irrigation contract, fertilization, weed control, and other onsite operations such as survival surveys.
• Collaboratively determine site selection strategy for ramet deployment as needed.
• Consider pilot sites in case of unforeseen failures.
• Support research into potential managed wild orchard sites.

Submission Requirements
5. Requirements

• Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada and currently reside in Canada. Preference may begiven to candidates located near the Elkhart Seed Orchard, including West Kelowna, Merritt, and surrounding areas.
• Ability to manage responsibilities independently as a contractor, including providing your own vehicle, phone, and personal workspace. Possess a reliable, adequately insured vehicle.
• Maintain Comprehensive General Liability Insurance and adequate Automobile Liability Insurance at your own expense.
  Active WorkSafeBC Registration Number in good standing.

Interested candidates or organizations should submit:

• A cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the role.
  • Include a brief outline of approach to managing the seed orchard and hourly rate.
• A resume or organizational profile, including past projects and expertise.

6. Submission Deadline & Contact

Expressions of interest are being accepted on a rolling basis until the successful candidate is hired. We encourage you to submit as soon as possible for full consideration. Please submit expressions of interest to info@whitebarkpine.ca.

For more information, please contact Hailey@whitebarkpine.ca.

We look forward to hearing from passionate professionals dedicated to the conservation of whitebark and limber pine ecosystems! Only successful candidates will be contacted.