What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seed Specialist position at State of Washington?
JOB
AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's EconomyThe Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page. The Opportunity: The Seed Program provides accurate, timely and high-quality seed analysis and certification services while continually striving for improvements in methods and technologies to assure success for the program and its seed industry stakeholders. WSDA Seed Program is a unit within the Commodity Inspection Division that conducts pre-harvest seed field inspections and laboratory seed testing of agricultural, vegetable, native plants, rangeland grasses and flower seeds grown under the certification and phytosanitary programs. The program is responsible for seed certification, seed testing, phytosanitary visual seed inspection, seed inspection and official seed sampling as well as the program is the state seed regulatory agent. Additionally, the program monitors two seed quarantines to assist producers to replicate disease and pest free commodities. For the laboratory support role, this position will sanitize dishes for the viability work area, keep all laboratory supplies filled, notify the area lead or supervisor on low supply inventory, file seed samples and pre-pick samples of inert material. This position will utilize knowledge to breakdown samples to the appropriate working sample size by crop and requested service or test. There is industry outreach opportunities and stakeholder interactions necessary to clarify seed test requests or clarify field applications prior to accepting into the program for services. Travel within the state may be necessary to attend regional and local industry meetings and represent the Seed Program and may include overnight accommodations.Important NotesWSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Laboratory Assistant 2 position within the Commodity Inspection Services Division. This position is located in Yakima, Washington and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) Union.The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary for this position is: $45,024 - $58,584 annually.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Include, but not limited to: Administration: Read, interpret, comprehend and follow instructions and methodology in policies, procedures and rules.Accurately document the data for each sample that arrives into Pure Harvest in a timely manner.Process additional test requested.Update additional test information into Pure Harvest database, including billing information, certification information and if any special instructions are specified for the sample.LaboratoryAccurately checking samples into the seed lab.Cross reference pre-assigned lab numbers and attachments.Separate samples by rush and non-rush.Ensure all dividers, blowers, scales, countertops, and seed handling equipment are clean and free of anything that could cause cross contamination.Maintain a clean environment.Mix, divide, and weigh samples into unbiased sub-samples according to applicable rules and testing criteria.Verify equipment calibration.Record equipment calibration.Utilize specialized seed laboratory software.Follow established procedures, rules and regulations.Monitor all chemical storage inventory.Monitor lab check-in and breakdown.Monitor the add test request bin.Retrieve the postal mail daily.Update the Seed Lab Testing Backlog on the website and the ISO spreadsheet.Sanitize laboratory petri dishes and other lab equipment.Wash, sterilize, sort, and restocks lab equipment.Replenish equipment and supplies.Prepare planting labels.Accurately file them in seed storage area by year and lab number.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Employee BenefitsA healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules.WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.How to apply: You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position: · A resume detailing experience and education· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position· Three professional references By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.WSDA uses a I-9 formDownload PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual’s ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.Equity at WSDA The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Contact UsShould you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov. Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months. Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.
AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's EconomyThe Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page. The Opportunity: The Seed Program provides accurate, timely and high-quality seed analysis and certification services while continually striving for improvements in methods and technologies to assure success for the program and its seed industry stakeholders. WSDA Seed Program is a unit within the Commodity Inspection Division that conducts pre-harvest seed field inspections and laboratory seed testing of agricultural, vegetable, native plants, rangeland grasses and flower seeds grown under the certification and phytosanitary programs. The program is responsible for seed certification, seed testing, phytosanitary visual seed inspection, seed inspection and official seed sampling as well as the program is the state seed regulatory agent. Additionally, the program monitors two seed quarantines to assist producers to replicate disease and pest free commodities. For the laboratory support role, this position will sanitize dishes for the viability work area, keep all laboratory supplies filled, notify the area lead or supervisor on low supply inventory, file seed samples and pre-pick samples of inert material. This position will utilize knowledge to breakdown samples to the appropriate working sample size by crop and requested service or test. There is industry outreach opportunities and stakeholder interactions necessary to clarify seed test requests or clarify field applications prior to accepting into the program for services. Travel within the state may be necessary to attend regional and local industry meetings and represent the Seed Program and may include overnight accommodations.Important NotesWSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Laboratory Assistant 2 position within the Commodity Inspection Services Division. This position is located in Yakima, Washington and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) Union.The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary for this position is: $45,024 - $58,584 annually.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Include, but not limited to: Administration: Read, interpret, comprehend and follow instructions and methodology in policies, procedures and rules.Accurately document the data for each sample that arrives into Pure Harvest in a timely manner.Process additional test requested.Update additional test information into Pure Harvest database, including billing information, certification information and if any special instructions are specified for the sample.LaboratoryAccurately checking samples into the seed lab.Cross reference pre-assigned lab numbers and attachments.Separate samples by rush and non-rush.Ensure all dividers, blowers, scales, countertops, and seed handling equipment are clean and free of anything that could cause cross contamination.Maintain a clean environment.Mix, divide, and weigh samples into unbiased sub-samples according to applicable rules and testing criteria.Verify equipment calibration.Record equipment calibration.Utilize specialized seed laboratory software.Follow established procedures, rules and regulations.Monitor all chemical storage inventory.Monitor lab check-in and breakdown.Monitor the add test request bin.Retrieve the postal mail daily.Update the Seed Lab Testing Backlog on the website and the ISO spreadsheet.Sanitize laboratory petri dishes and other lab equipment.Wash, sterilize, sort, and restocks lab equipment.Replenish equipment and supplies.Prepare planting labels.Accurately file them in seed storage area by year and lab number.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Employee BenefitsA healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules.WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.How to apply: You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position: · A resume detailing experience and education· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position· Three professional references By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.WSDA uses a I-9 formDownload PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual’s ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.Equity at WSDA The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Contact UsShould you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov. Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months. Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.
Salary : $45,024 - $58,584
