We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership.

· The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture, both locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

· The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

· The Georgia State Seed Laboratory is located in Tifton, Georgia, and is a part of the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Laboratory Division.

· The State Seed Laboratory is responsible for the testing of seed samples for the State of Georgia, as well as other states and external customers.

Under direct supervision, job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• • Prepare media and/or reagents for use in performing routine analysis of seed samples.
  • Perform laboratory tests and procedures following proper protocols to ensure that samples are stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
  • Monitoring and recording the quality of reagents.
  • Participate in lab safety; may perform analysis on potentially hazardous samples.
  • Receive, dry, store, protect, and process seed samples.
  • Record test data accurately
  • Record observations on the physical condition of the seed (e.g., maturity, presence of disease, seed treatment, mechanical damage, or insect damage according to established guidelines)
  • Evaluate and record results of seed samples tested for germination factors based on the AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds and according to state and federal laws.
  • Observe germination analysis of seedlings for the future classification of normal, abnormal, dormant, hard, or dead.
  • Prepare, blend, divide, and weigh representative seed samples according to the proper method for analysis of each seed kind.
  • Achieve AOSA certification in germination and purity within 6 years of hire date (study materials and on-the-job training will be provided)

Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:

• • Sitting for long periods
  • May have to lift 50lb.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High School diploma or GED

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

· Bachelor’s degree in physical or natural science from an accredited college or university. Knowledge of Excel and PC-based software is preferred. Or at minimum two years of experience as a fuel inspector.

· Associate degree in physical or natural science from an accredited college or university, which includes at least one course in mathematics, statistics, research methods, or a related field. Or at minimum two years of experience as a fuel inspector.

• • Two or more years of laboratory experience
  • Knowledge of requirements for sample sorting, preparation, and/or testing
  • Working knowledge of Windows computer operating system and applications

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory results of employment verification, background and criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY: Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers.

· Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to this office's large volume of submissions, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

Please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615 if you need accommodation.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *