JOB TITLE: SEED PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

JOB CODE: 52490

DEFINITION: This is administrative and professional work in planning, directing, and coordinating a statewide seed certification, inspection, and testing program.

The employee in this job develops and directs a field and laboratory seed identification and seed certification program to ensure that commercial or certified seeds comply with uniform standards of purity and germination. Work involves supervising laboratory staff engaged in the testing and analysis of seeds, and field staff engaged in seed certification field inspections and regulatory seed sampling. Work includes conducting the most complex seed analyses and coordinating field inspections, statewide regulatory seed sampling, seed testing, and certification programs with related state and federal programs. Work is performed independently in accordance with established policies and procedures and is reviewed by the Chief, Division of Agronomic and Regional Services for overall effectiveness and program conformance.

     DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work at this level is distinguished from lower-level jobs by the responsibility for developing and directing a statewide seed program that involves supervising laboratory and field staff and conducting the most complex seed analyses.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Supervises staff engaged in laboratory seed testing and analysis, including purity analyses, germination tests, and noxious weed examinations.

• Supervises staff engaged in seed crop field inspections to determine if seeds produced should be certified.

• Performs complex analyses involving seeds and plants that are difficult to identify.

• Monitors changes in federal rules and regulations governing the sale, labeling, and certification of seeds to ensure compliance.

• Monitors proposed state legislation relevant to seeds and develops proposed amendments to rules and regulations under the Pennsylvania Seed Act.

• Collects and analyzes statistics and other information related to directing regulatory seed sampling, seed certification, and seed tests.

• Prepares reports for technical journals and for the public.

• Delivers presentations and lectures to interested groups.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of seed terminology and testing techniques.

• Knowledge of lab equipment operation, adjustment, and maintenance.

• Knowledge of seed laws and regulations.

• Knowledge of Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) rules for germination and purity testing.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate statewide seed certification programs.

• Ability to identify seeds and seed sample mixtures.

• Ability to conduct purity and germination seed examinations.

• Ability to prepare and analyze technical data and reports.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Two years of experience as a Seed Laboratory Supervisor (commonwealth title);

or

• Six years of technical experience performing seed testing in a laboratory setting subject to standards set forth by the AOSA, including two years of supervisory experience; and three years of technical laboratory experience in the plant industry field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes two years of technical supervisory experience performing seed testing in a laboratory setting subject to standards set forth by the AOSA.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• This position requires certification as a Registered Seed Technologist (RST) or Certified Seed Analyst (CSA) in Purity and Germination at the date of hire.