SEED ANALYST I

 7 – This position offers a salary range of $38,582.00-$60,852.00 Yearly/annually based on qualifications, agency authority, agency budget, pay equity, and hiring salary guidelines.  

50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland 21401

The main purpose of the position of Seed Analyst I is to conduct regulatory and service seed testing activities in the Turf and Seed section of the Maryland Department of Agriculture to determine the quality of seed samples and to assure consumer confidence.

Receives training from a certified seed analyst in how to conduct purity and germination analyses following Association of Official Seed Analysts “Rules for Testing Seeds” and standard laboratory procedures.

Prepares planting media and plants seed samples in the germination laboratory on appropriate substrates according to the Association of Official Seed Analysts “Rules for Testing Seeds” and standard laboratory procedures.

Learns to make seed identifications using the herbarium and reference books.

Maintains the integrity of each sample by always cleaning the seed divider, balances, and all surfaces between samples to avoid contamination.

Using a personal computer, seed divider, and electronic balance, learns to independently prepare service and regulatory seed samples received by the Turf & Seed Section for analysis in the laboratories according to the Association of Official Seed Analysts “Rules for Testing Seeds” and standard laboratory procedures. Make calculations to determine sample sizes required for testing.

Assists in the monitoring and maintenance of germinators. Adjust work activities to accommodate changes in priorities and workload due to seasonal demands.

Performs other duties as required.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: One year of successful, progressively responsible seed analysis work in a governmental agency or private industry.

OR

Experience: One year of full-time experience or its equivalent in laboratory analysis work, technical inspection work, quality control inspection, plant nurseryman work, agricultural work or equivalent experience involving attention to technical detail or knowledge of the characteristics and growth of plants and seeds.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute additional education in agronomy, biology, horticulture, botany, or a related science at an accredited four-year college or university may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in soil conservation classifications or soil conservation specialty codes in the soil conservation field of work on a year-for- year basis for the required experience.

Experience in the introductory level of the names, characteristics, and methods of identification of basic common varieties and kinds of crops, grass, and weed seed

Experience in identifying common seed types according to observed characteristics

Experience in operating balances, scales, dividers, and other basic equipment used in seed analysis

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training, and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.  The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

Please report on all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree, transcript, and major on your application, if applicable. 

For education obtained outside of the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service. If you possess a degree obtained outside of the United States, please submit a detailed, course-by-course evaluation report from one of the U.S. equivalences evaluating members identified at http://www.naces.org/members.html.  Any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an official evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added.  Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report on all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Human Resource Office - Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD  21401. All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

It is important that all experiences be fully documented. Failure to ANSWER ALL SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS SPECIFICALLY AND ACCURATELY may cause the candidate to be rejected.

PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY.

➢ The application is part of the examination process. Your answers will determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the selection process.

➢ Clearly describe your qualifications in detail. Credit cannot be given for education, training, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that you fail to indicate.

➢ Do not leave any answer spaces blank; if a question does not apply, write "N/A".

➢ Although you may attach a resume to further describe your qualification, it does not substitute for completing the application form. An incomplete application form may result in disqualification. Do NOT write "see resume" in your work history or responses to supplemental questions.

➢ Failure to comply with these instructions may result in disqualification.

➢ Read the Job Announcement carefully for specific filing instructions, supplemental questions, and final filing dates. 

If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.  If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Stacey Summers 410-841-5842 or mda.humanresources@maryland.gov.  TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.