Manager, State Seed Certification Service

University of Wyoming • Powell, WY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Provide leadership in conducting the operation of the Seed Certification Service for the State of Wyoming; evaluate seed varieties for Wyoming producers. Manage business plans, budget, fee schedules and staff. This position has been deemed essential as addressed in the University of Wyoming’s Employee Handbook. Employees in essential positions may be required to work during emergency closures and winter closures based on the nature of their job duties and the reasons for the closure. This position involves on-call status.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• 5 years work-related experience
• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP.
• Worker Safety Protection and CPR training (must obtain within 3 months of hire)
• ISTA or AASCO sampling certified (must obtain within 1 year of hire)
• Forklift certification (must obtain within 1 year of hire)
• AOSCA Academy and ICP training (must obtain within 1 year of hire)
• Applicators license (must obtain within 1 year of hire)

Nice To Haves

• 10 years experience
• Knowledge of agronomy, crop science or related principles, theory, and practices
• Familiarity with plant diseases and insect impacts to 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 with managing teams and supervising multiple employees

Responsibilities

• Travel to areas of production to conduct field inspections for conformance to federal and state regulations relative to variety characteristics, noxious weeds, diseases and insects; approve or reject field.
• Manage and hire staff and interns.
• Provide training and supervision.
• Develop and manage business plan and budget as well as accounting procedures to comply with University regulations.
• Maintain and update fee schedules.
• Maintain data on crop characteristics and performance to ensure stable seed supply for producers.
• Print certification tags, initiate and process certification forms, schedule field trips and collect fees for services rendered.
• Design and conduct field plot research to evaluate performance of dry bean and forage grass varieties under soil, climatic and management conditions; analyze performance differences; interpret and publish results.
• Compile an inventory of growers and available certified seed; publish data early in the "Wyoming Certified Seed Directory."
• Serve as a resource specialist to plan, develop and provide information on proper variety selection, cultural practices and benefits of using certified seed.
• Train and supervise assistants to provide field inspections.
• Represent the Wyoming certification program at national meetings and serve the national organization.
• Develop budget recommendations and monitor expenditures.

Benefits

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

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