Seed Laboratory Technologist

JOB SUMMARY: Conduct routine seed laboratory activities including germination testing, purity and noxious weed examinations. Accurately document test data, evaluate accuracy of test results, and schedule additional testing as needed. Monitor laboratory equipment performance. Process outsourced tests as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Plant seed for germination tests according to first count day and testing priorities. Prepare media for germination testing.
• Evaluate germination tests. Accurately identify normal and abnormal seedlings. Describe abnormalities, dormancy, and other problems.
• Knowledge of Purity and noxious weed exam or the ability and willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of weed and crop seed identification or ability and willingness to learn.
• Data collection such as logging samples to be tested, recording and reporting test results.
• Monitor laboratory equipment performance to ensure lab equipment is adequately and properly maintained.
• Maintain file samples and retesting process.
• Assist with training and leading temporary and other semi – skilled personnel
• Attend workshops related to seed testing.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all company policies and procedures as follows, but not limited to this list:

o  Is aware of and personally follows all company policies and procedures. Raises issues with manager when policies or procedures are not clear or are not working.

o  Maintains lab cleanliness and follows lab safety practices.

o  Keeps manager informed of critical tasks not done and developing issues.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Experience with spreadsheets and entering results in database computer programs.
• Able to do accurate detailed work under time constraints and deadlines and able to adjust to seasonal surges in workload.
• Ability to handle stress especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload.
• Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.
• Maintain a cooperative attitude, treating all staff with courtesy and respect

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma required and additional education or experience with seed or plant quality testing required.
• Associated Arts or Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, plant sciences biological sciences preferred.
• Active accreditation as Registered Seed Technologist (RST), Certified Viability Technologist (CVT) or Certified Purity Technologist (CPT) preferred

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Prior experience in vegetable and commercial flower seed germination and purity testing preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Able to work with pesticides, lab chemicals and other potentially irritating substances.
• Able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time (up to 70%).
• Able to wear personal protective equipment when necessary and/or required (protective gloves 50% of time, lab coat 50% of time, dust masks and safety goggle or glasses 25% of the time.)
• Available to work overtime during the work week or on weekends as needed.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds
• Must be able to climb and descend step ladders.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS :

• Salary: $22-$26 per hour
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
• Company provided EAP
• Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps

*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.