Office Specialist 2: OSU Seed Lab

OSU Oregon State University • Corvallis, OR

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Oregon State University is hiring one full-time Office Specialist 2 for the Seed Laboratory in the Department of Crop & Soil Science. The OSU Seed Laboratory provides quality-control information to local and international seed customers, including growers, cleaners, dealers, Oregon Seed Certification participants, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, researchers, private companies and individuals, and other programs. Information supports purposes such as research, labeling, marketing, and shipping.

The position receives and processes incoming seed samples, coordinates sample intake and workflow, maintains accurate database records, and communicates with customers about samples and testing. It also provides reception, administrative, and general office support. Work takes place in a laboratory and open-office environment with moderate noise and frequent activity. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a half-hour lunch. Workload peaks in summer and early fall; vacation leave may be restricted and is generally not approved during that period. The role occasionally involves lifting, carrying, and moving items weighing up to 20 pounds. The position requires a criminal history check and a motor vehicle history check, as well as a current, valid driver's license in the employee’s state of residence.

Requirements

• Two years of general clerical experience, including one year of typing, word processing, or other document-generation experience; OR an Associate's degree in Office Occupations or Office Technology; OR graduation from a private business school with a Certificate in Office Occupations or Office Technology and one year of general clerical experience. College courses in Office Occupations or Office Technology may substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite applications.
• Ability to take direction and work in a fast-paced office environment while maintaining focus and a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to work with a broad group of internal and external customers with varying backgrounds, needs, identities, and personality types.
• A positive growth mindset and ability to interact and contribute successfully and inclusively with a diverse team.
• Successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined position qualified under University Standard 05-010 et seq.; incumbents must self-report convictions, and youth-program positions may require additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
• Successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in the state of residence, be determined position qualified, and self-report convictions under University Policy 05-030.

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing complex procedures under established standard operating procedures (SOPs) where a high degree of accuracy is required.
• Experience providing administrative or clerical support to a program, office, or laboratory.
• Strong attention to detail, including the ability to identify errors and discrepancies in one’s own work and the work of others.
• Knowledge of Seed Certification and/or OSU Seed Lab procedures, standards, or regulatory requirements.
• Experience working with Oregon Seed Certification and OSU Seed Laboratory procedures.
• Experience working within a laboratory Quality Management System (QMS), including controlled documents, quality assurance activities, and internal audits.
• Experience using customized databases for data entry, record maintenance, and information retrieval.
• Working knowledge of and experience with ISTA, AOSA, and Canada Seed Testing M&P.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process incoming seed samples, reviewing samples and documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with laboratory, quality, and customer requirements.
• Coordinate daily sample intake and workflow, prioritizing and preparing samples, work cards, labels, and documentation for timely distribution to laboratory testing units.
• Enter and verify sample information and testing requests in the Seed Lab’s database accurately.
• Communicate with customers to clarify sample information and testing requests, answer questions, explain testing requirements, and help resolve issues before testing begins.
• Provide administrative and reception support, including assisting customers by phone, email, and in person; processing mail; maintaining records; and supporting general office operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree