Seed Bank Officer - Busoga Region, Uganda

About Trees for the Future

Trees for the Future (TREES) has partnered with farming communities for over three decades to regenerate degraded environments, enhance livelihoods, and develop resilient agricultural ecosystems through its Forest Garden Approach. The organization operates in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, planting over 400 million trees and helping thousands of farmers achieve enduring environmental and economic benefits. In Uganda, TREES supports thousands of farming households within the Lake Victoria Watershed, focusing efforts on landscape restoration, livelihood improvement, and ecosystem health reinforcement through regenerative agroforestry.

Position Overview

The Seed Bank Officer will play a crucial role in managing and overseeing seed bank operations and seed system activities within the Busoga Region. Reporting to the Training Coordinator, this position ensures the efficient sourcing, processing, storage, quality control, inventory oversight, and distribution of high-quality tree seeds following TREES’ standards and procedures. The role involves close collaboration with multiple stakeholders including Training Officers, Central Tree Nursery Coordinators, project teams, and support for research and continuous improvements in seed-related processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate daily seed bank functions, including collection, processing, storage, distribution, and procurement to meet nursery and project needs.
• Implement and monitor seed quality assurance protocols encompassing germination tests, viability, moisture content, and purity checks.
• Maintain thorough and accurate digital and physical seed inventory records ensuring traceability and stock level monitoring.
• Establish and nurture relationships with seed collectors and suppliers, facilitating their evaluation and fostering sustainable seed sourcing methods.
• Support applied research, trials, and demonstrations to improve seed system operations with documentation and recommendations for best practices.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners such as government agencies, research institutions, and botanical gardens to strengthen seed system initiatives.
• Provide training and mentorship to seed collectors, assistants, interns, and volunteers, including development of relevant learning materials.
• Prepare operational reports, maintain documentation, and assist with budgeting, planning, and procurement related to seed bank activities.

Candidate Profile

• Passionate about forestry, biodiversity, and impactful environmental work.
• Exceptional attention to detail when managing multiple priorities, ensuring quality outputs.
• Proficient problem solver with a mindset geared toward continuous learning and operational improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build strong working relationships across diverse teams with integrity and accountability.
• Self-motivated, proactive, adaptable, and capable of performing effectively in dynamic and challenging field environments.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Agroforestry, Botany, Plant Sciences, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Biology, or related disciplines.
• A minimum of five years of experience in seed systems, forestry, tree nursery management, environmental conservation, or related fields.
• Experience in supervising field teams including assistants, interns, or casual laborers is advantageous.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, digital record keeping, communication, organization, and report writing.
• Ability to manage independent fieldwork and coordinate multiple activities concurrently.
• Valid motorcycle license or willingness to obtain one.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken), with local language skills considered a plus.

Technical Expertise

• Comprehensive understanding of tropical tree seed biology including seed processing, drying, cleaning, grading, storage, viability, germination testing, and quality management.
• Knowledge of indigenous and agroforestry species identification, seed collection protocols, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Familiarity with nursery production systems and principles of forestry and agroforestry.
• Competency in basic research methodologies, data analysis, and inventory management systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, for effective data management and analytical reporting.

Work Environment and Benefits

TREES offers a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive international workplace focused on impactful forestry and agriculture. Employees receive competitive remuneration, comprehensive medical insurance, workers' compensation, and generous paid leave including annual and sick leave. The organization values teamwork, professional growth, and an environment that encourages innovation and engagement.

Application Details

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing their motivation and suitability for the role along with a resume. Applications must be submitted as PDFs by 12th August 2026. Selection is made on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Diversity and Inclusion

Trees for the Future is committed to equal opportunity employment, welcoming applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. The organization celebrates diverse backgrounds as a key strength driving empathetic, visionary, and effective leadership.