SEED ANALYST

Genesis Distribution; Annapolis (MD); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Department of Agriculture in Annapolis seeks a Seed Analyst I to conduct regulatory and service seed testing in the Turf and Seed Program, determining seed quality and assuring consumer confidence.

You will receive training in purity and germination analyses, prepare planting media, identify seed types from reference materials, and maintain clean, accurate laboratory conditions.

The position offers a salary range of $38,582 to $60,852 annually, commensurate with qualifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• One year seed analysis experience in a governmental agency or private industry.
• Or one year of full-time laboratory analysis or related experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct seed testing via purity and germination analyses following official rules and procedures.
• Prepare planting media and seeds for germination testing.
• Identify seed types using reference materials and herbarium conventions.
• Maintain cleanliness of seed dividers, balances, and surfaces to avoid contamination.
• Prepare samples for analysis and calculate required sample sizes.
• Monitor and maintain germinators and adjust activities for seasonal workload.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Job description

MDA Ofc of Plan Ind & Pest Mgmt – Turf & Seed

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland’s Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health, consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continues to expand and grow.

MDA’s Vision

Achieving excellence in programs and services that preserve and protect agricultural resources and the environment, promote profitable agriculture and consumer confidence, and enhance the quality of life for all Marylanders.

MDA’s Mission

Providingleadership and support to agriculture and the citizens of Maryland by conducting regulatory, service, and educational activities that assure consumer confidence, protect the environment, and promote agriculture.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Turf and Seed Program conducts regulatory and service programs, including seed inspection, testing, certification and quality control services, designed to ensure the continued availability of high-quality seed to Maryland’s seed consumers. Seed is the single most important input to any cropping system.

Join our Team and make a difference in planting one quality seed at a time!

This position offers a salary range of $38,582.00-$60,852.00 Yearly/annually based on qualifications, agency authority, agency budget, pay equity, and hiring salary guidelines.

LOCATION OF POSITION

50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Main Purpose of Job

The main purpose of the position of Seed Analyst I is to conduct regulatory and service seedtesting activities in the Turf and Seed section of the Maryland Department of Agriculture todetermine the quality of seed samples and to assure consumer confidence.

POSITION DUTIES

Receives training from a certified seed analyst in how to conduct purity and germination analyses following Association of Official Seed Analysts “Rules for Testing Seeds” and standard laboratory procedures.

Prepares planting media and plants seed samples in the germination laboratory on appropriate substrates according to the Association of Official Seed Analysts “Rules for Testing Seeds” and standard laboratory procedures.

Learns to make seed identifications using the herbarium and reference books.

Maintains the integrity of each sample by always cleaning the seed divider, balances, and all surfaces between samples to avoid contamination.

Using a personal computer, seed divider, and electronic balance, learns to independently prepare service and regulatory seed samples received by the Turf & Seed Section for analysis in the laboratories according to the Association of Official Seed Analysts “Rules for Testing Seeds” and standard laboratory procedures. Make calculations to determine sample sizes required for testing.

Assists in the monitoring and maintenance of germinators. Adjust work activities to accommodate changes in priorities and workload due to seasonal demands.

Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience:One year of successful, progressively responsible seed analysis work in a governmental agency or private industry.

OR

Experience:One year of full-time experience or its equivalent in laboratory analysis work, technical inspection work, quality control inspection, plant nurseryman work, agricultural work or equivalent experience involving attention to technical detail or knowledge of the characteristics and growth of plants and seeds.

Notes:

• Candidates may substitute additional education in agronomy, biology, horticulture, botany, or a related science at an accredited four-year college or university may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in soil conservation classifications or soil conservation specialty codes in the soil conservation field of work on a year-for- year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in the introductory level of the names, characteristics, and methods of identification of basic common varieties and kinds of crops, grass, and weed seed

Experience in identifying common seed types according to observed characteristics

Experience in operating balances, scales, dividers, and other basic equipment used in seed analysis

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.