Seed Analyst In-Training

State of Washington • Yakima County – Yakima, WA

12h • Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Seed Program provides accurate, timely, and high-quality seed analysis and certification services. This program, part of the Commodity Inspection Division, conducts pre-harvest seed field inspections and laboratory seed testing for various types of seeds. It is responsible for seed certification, seed testing, phytosanitary visual seed inspection, seed inspection, and official seed sampling, also serving as the state seed regulatory agent. The program monitors seed quarantines to help producers replicate disease and pest-free commodities and provides accredited laboratory services for state seed regulatory needs, seed certification tagging, and common seed labeling. Seed viability is a required label component under The Federal Seed Act and state labeling laws. This position works in the viability area of the lab, supporting the laboratory Supervisor. It involves performing technical laboratory work and research, including routine and advanced laboratory testing, with little assistance. The position may oversee and participate in the training of new employees. Assignments are received daily from the area lead or supervisor. Limited decisions can be made regarding test results, certification, and phytosanitary requirements based on demonstrated expertise. This position must be able to make the quality decisions of a Lab Assistant 1 and Laboratory Technician 1.

Requirements

• Laboratory Technician 1: One (1) year experience with laboratory practices or in an agricultural environmental setting such as a seed warehouse, applying regulations and standards or equivalent education/experience.
• Laboratory Technician 2: Minimum of two (2) years working in a seed testing laboratory conducting purity and or germination with a wide variety of reclamation grasses, turf grasses, grains, flowers seeds, native species, and vegetables seed.
• At least one (1) year experience as a Laboratory Assistant 2 or Laboratory Technician 1.
• Certification with AOSA/SCST In purity or viability testing.
• Must have and maintain technician certification with AOSA/SCST.

Nice To Haves

• The position may oversee the work of others who are in-training and participate in the training process for new employees.
• This position can make limited decisions regarding test results, certification, and phytosanitary requirements according to the type of test being conducted and the level of expertise and knowledge they have demonstrated through experience and certification of the technician.
• This position shall be able to make the quality decisions of Lab Assistant 1 and Laboratory Technician 1.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory purity or germination testing.
• Apply certification standards according to Chapter 16-301 and 16-302 WAC, Canadian Seed Testing, International Seed Testing Association, or other certification standards and customer requests.
• Provide interpretation of regulations specific to the program daily operation.
• Perform technical laboratory work and research, routine, and advanced laboratory testing.
• Use and verify calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Conduct testing to produce quality results for certification, labeling, and marketing seed.
• Enter and retrieve data from a Specialized Seed Laboratory testing Program database.
• Review and/or sign completed laboratory reports before they are released to stakeholders.
• Identify, classify, and calculate quantities of contaminates, and/or abnormalities found in submitted samples.
• Identify seedling abnormalities which are most commonly dead and abnormal seedlings.
• Conduct testing according to AOSA/SCST, USDA, Washington, Canadian, International standards and special testing requests.
• Maintain knowledge of seed structures and abnormalities that impact the seed or seedlings.
• Enter results accurately into Pure Harvest to be delivered to stakeholders.
• Conduct testing and apply any applicable certification standards to all samples submitted.
• Conduct additional quality examinations such as Clearfield and Axigen trait tests.
• Attend training on how to apply the individual customized customer requests when applicable.
• Use specific chemicals for specific seed tests.
• Dissect and prepare biological tissue samples for identification and/or viability.
• Participate in conducting research projects for proposed and future national seed testing rules.
• Prevent cross contamination of samples and tests.
• Understand, participate, and abide by the accreditation ISO principles and ASL program standards.
• Follow all WSDA and Seed Program safety protocol.
• Conduct testing and duties of lower-level laboratory staff and program duties when necessary.
• Perform more complex determination as part of training for higher-level positions.
• Participate in coordination of training new staff members and communicating seed testing rules and program accreditation.
• Participate in coordination of education and demonstrations.
• Present technical data or outreach educational material to industry on behalf of the program.
• Represent the program.
• Remains in good standing with AOSA/SCST as a certified analyst.
• Participate in continuing education requirements to maintain accreditation.
• Maintain SCST accreditation by participation in continuing education requirements.
• Pass AOSA/SCST annual proficiency test.
• Participate in USDA ASL audit process and program accreditation.
• Participate in annual ISO audit process.
• Verify documents with seed samples to ensure it meets certification program requirements and passes certification inspection standards.
• Prepare samples for the OECD grow out test plots mid make test plot stakes for identification.
• Assist with developing training plans and goals for new laboratory staff.
• Assist in field inspection, planning and planting of OECD test plots and plot maintenance.
• Assist in sections of the lab they are not regularly assigned to.
• Assist with chemical inventory and supply ordering and restocking.
• File samples and retrieve samples for additional tests.
• Collect submitted sample envelopes and file them by year and lab number for sample retention.
• Retrieve samples from the storage area for retesting.
• Mix and divide submitted samples into sub samples for testing.
• Assist with sanitizing lab equipment.
• Gather and transport contaminated glassware or laboratory materials to the designated sanitation areas.
• Sterilize, sort and restock lab equipment according to laboratory procedures.
• Assist with the annual purging of file samples.
• Mix chemical solutions for testing.

Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Tuition Waiver
• Deferred Compensation
• Employee Recognition Leave
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed