Manager, State Seed Certification Service

University of Wyoming Research and Economic Development • Powell, WY

2d • $67,104 - $80,508 • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, State Seed Certification Service provides leadership in operating Wyoming’s Seed Certification Service and evaluates seed varieties for Wyoming producers. The position manages business plans, budgets, fee schedules, accounting procedures, and staff. It conducts field inspections and research, maintains seed and crop-performance data, and provides expertise to producers on variety selection and certified seed. The position is considered essential and involves on-call status; the employee may be required to work during emergency or winter closures. The role is based on campus in Powell, Wyoming, and requires availability to perform essential job functions on campus.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 5 years of work-related experience.
• Valid driver’s license and a motor vehicle record compliant with the University’s Driving for University Business requirements.
• Must obtain Worker Safety Protection and CPR training within 3 months of hire.
• Must obtain ISTA or AASCO sampling certification within 1 year of hire.
• Must obtain forklift certification within 1 year of hire.
• Must complete AOSCA Academy and ICP training within 1 year of hire.
• Must obtain an applicator’s license within 1 year of hire.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; work authorization or visa sponsorship is not available.
• Applicants must provide average hours worked per week for current and previous positions; relevant part-time experience is prorated.

Nice To Haves

• 10 years of experience.
• Knowledge of agronomy, crop science, or related principles, theory, and practices.
• Familiarity with plant diseases and the effects of insects on plants.
• Knowledge of applicable University, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies, including those governing seed certification.
• Experience with crop scouting and field-testing approaches to recognize crop varieties.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Experience managing teams and supervising multiple employees.

Responsibilities

• Travel to production areas to inspect fields for compliance with federal and state requirements concerning variety characteristics, noxious weeds, diseases, and insects; approve or reject fields.
• Hire, train, manage, and supervise staff and interns, including assistants who conduct field inspections.
• Develop and manage the business plan, budget, and accounting procedures in compliance with University regulations.
• Maintain and update fee schedules.
• Maintain crop-characteristic and performance data to support a stable seed supply for producers.
• Print certification tags; initiate and process certification forms; schedule field trips; and collect fees for services.
• Design and conduct field-plot research evaluating dry bean and forage grass varieties under different soil, climate, and management conditions; analyze performance differences; and interpret and publish results.
• Compile inventories of growers and available certified seed and publish the information in the Wyoming Certified Seed Directory.
• Provide information and expertise on variety selection, cultural practices, and the benefits of certified seed.
• Represent Wyoming’s certification program at national meetings and serve the national organization.
• Develop budget recommendations and monitor expenditures.

Benefits

• State retirement contribution of over 15% of gross salary, with total retirement contributions exceeding 19% when combined with the mandatory employee contribution.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions and four deductible options.
• Vacation leave, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents.
• Wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager