Seed Analyst I

Turf & Seed•Anne Arundel, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland Department of Agriculture's Turf and Seed Program conducts regulatory and service programs, including seed inspection, testing, certification and quality control services, designed to ensure the continued availability of high-quality seed to Maryland's seed consumers. Seed is the single most important input to any cropping system. Join our Team and make a difference in planting one quality seed at a time!

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
One year of successful, progressively responsible seed analysis work in a governmental agency or private industry.
OR One year of full-time experience or its equivalent in laboratory analysis work, technical inspection work, quality control inspection, plant nurseryman work, agricultural work or equivalent experience involving attention to technical detail or knowledge of the characteristics and growth of plants and seeds.
Candidates may substitute additional education in agronomy, biology, horticulture, botany, or a related science at an accredited four-year college or university may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in soil conservation classifications or soil conservation specialty codes in the soil conservation field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the introductory level of the names, characteristics, and methods of identification of basic common varieties and kinds of crops, grass, and weed seed
Experience in identifying common seed types according to observed characteristics
Experience in operating balances, scales, dividers, and other basic equipment used in seed analysis

Responsibilities

Receives training from a certified seed analyst in how to conduct purity and germination analyses following Association of Official Seed Analysts “Rules for Testing Seeds” and standard laboratory procedures.
Prepares planting media and plants seed samples in the germination laboratory on appropriate substrates according to the Association of Official Seed Analysts “Rules for Testing Seeds” and standard laboratory procedures.
Learns to make seed identifications using the herbarium and reference books.
Maintains the integrity of each sample by always cleaning the seed divider, balances, and all surfaces between samples to avoid contamination.
Using a personal computer, seed divider, and electronic balance, learns to independently prepare service and regulatory seed samples received by the Turf & Seed Section for analysis in the laboratories according to the Association of Official Seed Analysts “Rules for Testing Seeds” and standard laboratory procedures.
Make calculations to determine sample sizes required for testing.
Assists in the monitoring and maintenance of germinators.
Adjust work activities to accommodate changes in priorities and workload due to seasonal demands.
Performs other duties as required.