Manager, State Seed Certification Service

University of Wyoming • Powell, WY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, State Seed Certification Service provides leadership for the operation of 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 also maintains crop performance and certification data, supports producers with seed selection and cultivation information, and conducts research on dry bean and forage grass varieties.

The role includes travel to production areas to inspect fields for compliance with federal and state requirements, including variety characteristics, noxious weeds, diseases, and insects. The manager approves or rejects fields, hires and supervises staff and interns, and represents the Wyoming certification program at national meetings. This is an essential, on-call position; employees may be required to work during emergency or winter closures. The work is on campus, with essential duties performed on campus.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five 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 three months of hire.
• Must obtain ISTA or AASCO sampling certification within one year of hire.
• Must obtain forklift certification within one year of hire.
• Must complete AOSCA Academy and ICP training within one year of hire.
• Must obtain an applicator’s license within one year of hire.
• Applicants must provide average hours worked per week for all current and previous positions so relevant part-time experience can be prorated.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; sponsorship for work authorization or work visas is unavailable.

Nice To Haves

• Ten years of experience.
• Knowledge of agronomy, crop science, or related principles, theory, and practices.
• Familiarity with plant diseases and the impacts 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 for recognizing crop varieties.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Experience managing teams and supervising multiple employees.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operation of the State Seed Certification Service for Wyoming and evaluate seed varieties for producers.
• Travel to production areas and conduct field inspections for compliance with federal and state regulations, including assessment of variety characteristics, noxious weeds, diseases, and insects; approve or reject fields.
• Hire, train, and supervise staff, interns, and assistants, including assistants conducting field inspections.
• Develop and manage the business plan, budget, and accounting procedures in compliance with University regulations; develop budget recommendations and monitor expenditures.
• Maintain and update fee schedules; collect fees for services rendered.
• Maintain data on crop characteristics and performance to support a stable seed supply for producers.
• Print certification tags, initiate and process certification forms, and schedule field trips.
• Design and conduct field plot research evaluating dry bean and forage grass varieties under different soil, climate, and management conditions; analyze performance differences, interpret results, and publish findings.
• Compile an inventory of growers and available certified seed and publish data in the Wyoming Certified Seed Directory.
• Provide information and serve as a resource specialist on variety selection, cultural practices, and the benefits of certified seed.
• Represent the Wyoming certification program at national meetings and serve the national organization.
• Remain on call and, as an essential employee, work during emergency or winter closures when required.

Benefits

• Retirement contributions, with the State contributing over 15% of gross salary and total 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