JOB TITLE: SEED LABORATORY SUPERVISOR

JOB CODE: 52480

DEFINITION: This is supervisory and advanced technical work overseeing and conducting laboratory (lab) seed testing to certify and ensure proper labeling of seeds distributed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The employee in this job supervises seed preparation and testing and conducts non-uniformed seed germination and purity testing and analysis to ascertain germination potential, seed health, and purity percentages. Work involves overseeing seed testing and analysis; coordinating field inspections for the seed certification program; reviewing seed testing methods and outcomes; identifying and implementing new testing procedures; and conducting seed re-testing and analysis for certification validity or to respond to provider complaints and purity challenges. Work includes reviewing and tracking monthly seed testing fee invoices; maintaining seed samples, equipment, and repairs; overseeing and coordinating seed lab equipment maintenance; and training employees in new seed testing techniques. Work is performed independently and reviewed by an administrative supervisor through conferences and reports for program effectiveness and compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies.

     DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is distinguished from lower-level jobs by the responsibility for supervising Seed Analyst employees and independently testing non-uniformed seed mixes.

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 the preparation of seed mixes and implementation of seed sample testing and analysis.

• Reviews seed testing techniques and methods to ensure accurate analysis and compliance with the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) Rules for Testing Seeds.

• Oversees the AOSA referee and proficiency testing to support industry-wide seed standards and new testing methods.

• Coordinates and oversees maintenance of lab equipment, such as germinators, seed dividers, and seed blowers, to ensure seed analysis accuracy.

• Assists in implementing the seed certification program by verifying lab results and coordinating and assigning field inspections for seed certification determinations.

• Conducts seed identification and seed purity and germination tests, including uniformed and non-uniformed seed testing.

• Conducts seed re-testing and analysis to verify validity of results or in response to seed purity challenges.

• Reviews and approves the seed lab procedures and protocols.

• Interprets seed laws for farmers and providers to promote seed law compliance.

• Provides training to employees regarding testing techniques, developments, and protocols.

• Prepares correspondence, records, and reports for the seed certification and enforcement programs.

• 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 rules for germination and purity testing.

• Ability to identify seeds and seed sample mixtures.

• Ability to conduct purity and germination seed examinations.

• 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 Analyst (Commonwealth title);

or

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

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• All positions require certification as a Registered Seed Technologist (RST) or Certified Seed Analyst - Purity and Germination (CSA) as of the date of hire.