Laboratory Tech 1 - Seed Analyst

State of Georgia•Tifton, GA

41d

About The Position

We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership. The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture, both locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce. The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation. Position Overview: The Georgia State Seed Laboratory is located in Tifton, Georgia, and is a part of the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Laboratory Division. The State Seed Laboratory is responsible for the testing of seed samples for the State of Georgia, as well as other states and external customers. Under direct supervision, job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Requirements

High school diploma/GED.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years' laboratory experience
Knowledge of requirements for sample sorting, preparation, and/or testing
Working knowledge of the Windows computer operating system and applications

Responsibilities

Prepare media and/or reagents for use in performing routine analysis of seed samples
Perform laboratory tests and procedures following proper protocols to ensure that samples are stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively
Prepare media and regents, monitoring, and recording the quality of reagents
Participating in lab safety; may perform analysis on potentially hazardous samples
Receive, dry, store, protect, and process seed samples
Record test data accurately
Record observations on the physical condition of the seed (e.g., maturity, presence of disease, seed treatment, mechanical damage, or insect damage according to established guidelines)
Evaluate and record results of seed samples tested for germination factors based on the AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds and according to state and federal laws
Classify germinated seedlings as normal or abnormal and remaining seeds as dormant, hard, or dead
Prepare, blend, divide and weigh representative seed samples according to the proper method for analysis of each seed kind
Assist in purity lab
Achieve AOSA certification in germination and purity within 6 years of hire date (study materials and on-the-job training will be provided)
Other duties as assigned