Title: Seed Analyst #00954

State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Spec II

Hiring Range: $44,192 - $55,000 Annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: SEED-METROLOGY-PROC FOOD

Agency Website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is seeking one qualified individual to work in the Seed Laboratory within the Office of Plant Industry Services. The seed analyst will perform analysis of seeds in accordance with the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) Rules for Testing Seeds. The position is responsible for the scientific analysis and testing of seeds utilizing laboratory methods, testing and other procedures to determine compliance with the Virginia Seed Law, the Federal Seed Act, the rules and regulations of the AOSA, and the Virginia Certified Seed Program, administered by the Virginia Crop Improvement Association. The successful candidate will perform laboratory testing in purity and germination to ensure truth-in-labeling for commercial seed lots and labeling analysis for Virginia growers for the marketing of their seed products.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidate must have working knowledge of seed, seedling, and plant morphology. The candidate must be able to follow proscribed laboratory policies and interpret, apply and explain complex standards set by the Virginia Seed Law, Federal Seed Act and the Association of Official Seed Analyst (AOSA). This position requires good hand/eye coordination and manual dexterity; ability to distinguish colors, working with small seeds using microscopes and small instruments such as tweezers. The ability to manipulate small seeds and seedling is essential. The successful candidate should be able to concentrate and focus on work for extended periods of time and work with limited supervision. Basic knowledge of agricultural crops grown in Virginia is desired. This position involves working around peanuts, wheat, dust and chemically treated seeds. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office software. Must be able to see colors. H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of in Botany, Biology, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related agricultural science.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that before we can legally employ an individual, we must verify both the identity and employment authorization of the individual. VDACS uses Form I-9 to satisfy this requirement. Form I-9, instructions, and the List of Acceptable Documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9. VDACS does not offer sponsorship for employment purposes; therefore, the selected candidate will need to be able to provide acceptable documents in accordance with Form I-9 (use link above for more details). Additionally, VDACS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional assistance with this requirement, please contact hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.

Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.