WHO WE ARE

At Trees for the Future (TREES), we believe farmers have the power to transform the world. For over 30 years, we have partnered with farming families to restore degraded landscapes, improve livelihoods, and build resilient food systems through our Forest Garden Approach. Operating across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, TREES has planted over 400 million trees while empowering thousands of farmers to create lasting environmental and economic change.

In Uganda, TREES works with thousands of farming households across the Lake Victoria Watershed to restore landscapes, strengthen livelihoods, and improve ecosystem health through regenerative agroforestry.

Learn more at trees.org/lvcarbon.

THE ROLE

The Seed Bank Officer is responsible for supporting the implementation and day-to-day management of seed bank operations and seed system activities in the Busoga Region. Reporting to the Training Coordinator, the Officer ensures the timely sourcing, processing, storage, quality assurance, inventory management, and distribution of quality tree seed in accordance with TREES' technical standards, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and operational plans.

Working closely with the Training Coordinator, the Seed Bank Officer supports the implementation of regional seed system priorities, coordinates seed-related activities with Training Officers, the Central Tree Nursery Coordinator, project officers, and Training Site teams, and contributes to operational improvements, applied research, and continuous learning that strengthen TREES' seed systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Seed Bank Operations and Coordination

• Support implementation of regional seed bank work plans under the guidance of the Training Coordinator.

• Coordinate daily seed bank operations, including seed collection, processing, storage, distribution, and procurement.

• Ensure timely seed availability to meet nursery production and project implementation needs.

• Monitor implementation progress, provide regular updates, and recommend solutions to improve operational performance.

2. Seed Quality Assurance

• Implement quality assurance procedures across seed collection, processing, storage, and distribution.

• Coordinate seed quality testing, including germination, viability, moisture, and purity.

• Monitor storage conditions, conduct routine inspections, and ensure only seed meeting TREES standards is distributed.

• Maintain accurate quality assurance records and reports.

3. Seed Inventory and Information Management

• Maintain accurate physical and digital seed inventory records and ensure traceability from collection through distribution.

• Monitor stock movements and minimum stock levels, prepare inventory reports, and participate in stock verification and reconciliation.

4. Seed Sourcing and Supplier Coordination

• Build and maintain relationships with seed collectors and suppliers, supporting their registration, evaluation, and performance monitoring.

• Coordinate regional seed collection and procurement activities in line with approved plans and organizational procedures.

• Promote sustainable and ethical seed collection practices.

5. Research, Trials, and Continuous Improvement

• Support operational trials and applied research to improve seed collection, processing, storage, germination, and quality.

• Coordinate seed demonstrations and trials, document and analyze findings, and recommend improvements and best practices.

6. Cross-functional Coordination

• Collaborate with Training Officers, the Central Tree Nursery Coordinator, Training Site Officers, MEL, Procurement, and Finance teams to support seed system operations.

• Build productive partnerships with government agencies, research institutions, botanical gardens, herbariums, seed suppliers, and other stakeholders.

7. Training and Capacity Building

• Support training on seed collection, processing, storage, and quality management.

• Train and mentor seed collectors, Seed Bank Assistants, interns, volunteers, and casual laborers.

• Develop practical learning materials, participate in technical learning events, and promote compliance with TREES' Seed Bank Standard Operating Procedures.

8. Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare regular operational reports and maintain accurate documentation on seed procurement, inventory, quality testing, and distribution.

• Support the preparation of budgets, work plans, procurement requests, and activity reports.

• Document achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for continuous improvement.

WHO YOU ARE

• You are driven by a genuine commitment to forestry, biodiversity conservation, and creating lasting environmental impact.

• You manage multiple priorities with exceptional attention to detail, consistently delivering high-quality work.

• You apply critical thinking to solve problems, embrace continuous learning, and identify opportunities to improve operations.

• You build strong relationships, work effectively across diverse teams, and demonstrate integrity, respect, and accountability in everything you do.

• You take ownership of your work, show initiative, and remain effective in fast-changing and demanding environments.

• You are flexible and able to perform effectively under challenging field conditions while staying committed to the mission and values of Trees for the Future.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate should possess:

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Agroforestry, Botany, Plant Sciences, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Biology, or a related field.

• At least 5 years' relevant experience in seed systems, forestry, agroforestry, tree nursery management, forest restoration, conservation, botanical gardens, herbarium management, or related fields.

• Experience supervising field assistants, interns, volunteers, or casual laborers is an added advantage.

• Strong Microsoft Excel, digital record management, communication, organizational, and report writing skills.

• Ability to work independently while coordinating multiple field activities.

• Valid motorcycle riding permit, or willingness to obtain one.

• Fluency in written and spoken English; knowledge of local language(s) in the project area is an added advantage.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate should demonstrate knowledge of:

• Tropical tree seed biology and physiology; seed processing, drying, cleaning, grading, storage, viability, germination, and quality testing.

• Indigenous and agroforestry tree species identification, seed collection protocols, and ethical sourcing practices.

• Nursery production systems and the principles and practices of forestry and agroforestry.

• Basic research methods, data analysis, and seed inventory management systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for data management, analysis, and reporting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND BENEFITS 

TREES is an International Organization that strives to be the best home for staff wanting to make an impact on the farmers we serve. We believe that the diversity of our staff contributes to excellence. TREES values collaboration and teamwork that fosters increased engagement and innovation for professional growth. 

We offer a multicultural, collegial work environment with a competitive salary, comprehensive medical insurance, workers' compensation, and substantial paid time off, including annual leave and sick leave. 

APPLY 

If this opportunity speaks to you, please apply with 1) a cover letter that explains why TREES’ work excites you and why this role is a fit for you; and 2) your resume. Submit your application by 12th August 2026. Ensure that both documents are shared as PDF documents. We review applications on a rolling basis. 

Trees for the Future is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, or other characteristics or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. 

We embrace and value diverse skill sets and backgrounds. We are a community of leaders who are proud to represent many different national, racial, ethnic, socio-economic, religious, gender, and other identities. Our diversity as a community is our strength, driving our ability to be empathetic, visionary, and effective leaders. 

Due to the high volume of applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.