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Position Number: 22087959
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: Open Until Filled
Anticipated Starting Salary: $32,405
Seed Lab
Hiring Authority
1 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501/823-1751
Email: gordon.baldridge@agriculture.arkansas.gov
As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.
Position Information
Class Code: B096C
Grade: GS04
FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT
Salary Range: $32,405.00 - $51,686.00
Summary
The Agriculture (Agri) Seed Analyst is responsible for analyzing and evaluating seed samples for purity, variety, and germination, and for assisting in training new seed analysts. This position is governed by state and federal laws, the Association of Official Seed Analysis (AOSA), and agency policy.
Functions
Cleans, sterilizes, and maintains laboratory equipment to prevent contamination and mixing of samples. Stocks shelves. Examines and evaluates seedlings following AOSA guidelines to determine germination potential and records germination percentages based on findings. Mixes seed samples and divides into proper working weights for laboratory analysis as prescribed by the AOSA guidelines ensuring that mixture is not contaminated and contains proper amount for examination. Prepares germination media and plants seeds on proper substrata for germination, uses a vacuum seed counter to obtain correct number of seeds for analysis, and places planted seeds in germinator to maintain proper temperature, moisture, and light. Analyzes samples of large non-certified seed for purity after verifying information on seed sample record and separates components into pure seed (crop and variety), weed seed, other crop seed, inert matter, and noxious weeds. Calculates the percentage of each component and records results. Performs microscopic analysis of small seeds by separating into component parts, calculates percentages of each component and records results. Performs chemical tests and purity examinations on specified seed samples to determine presence of noxious weeds, contaminants, other crops, and inert matter. Tests moisture content of seeds and records results. Separates, labels, dates, and files official seed and service samples. Fumigates insect-infested seed before filing. Determines when samples need moisture and applies specified amounts of water to towels, petri dishes, sand tables, and crispers. Prepares and submits final seed analysis report. Trains new employees in how to conduct seed analysis and record test results. May perform certification field inspections checking for noxious weeds. Performs other duties as assigned.
Dimensions
None
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of laboratory procedures and equipment.
Knowledge of the methods and techniques of seed analysis.
Knowledge of seed and plant physiology, species, and varieties.
Knowledge of regulations governing seed analysis.
Ability to follow general laboratory procedures.
Ability to perform seed analysis, and compute percentages and analyze results, and
maintain records.
Ability to prepare oral and written reports.
Ability to maintain files.
Ability to train and coordinate work activities and monitor the performance of co-workers.
Minimum Qualifications
The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma; plus three years of specialized training or experience involving general laboratory operations, seed analysis, or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Licenses
None
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Preferred Qualifications:
- The ability and willingness to regularly wear personal protective equipment and to comply with fit testing requirements is a fundamental requirement of this position.
- Preparedness to be trained in handling potentially infectious and/or hazardous materials including, but not limited to, animal bodily fluids, tissues, microbiological cultures, and agricultural samples containing pesticides.
- Laboratory positions involve precise, repetitive work in high-throughput environments, e.g., sorting of seeds, weighing specimens, pipetting, cutting of animal tissues, etc.
- This position is on-site, essential and is not approved for remote work.
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