Position Title:

Seed Analyst II

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years experience in seed analysis, which includes one year as a Seed Analyst I or equivalent; or Any combination of post high school education and work experience totaling two years from which one can acquire a working knowledge of seed laws, the “Rules for Testing Seeds” and methods and problems associated with analysis of seeds for labeling purposes.

Preferred Qualifications:

Job Description:

The Iowa State University Seed Lab is hiring a Seed Analyst II. Seed testing began on campus in the 1890s.  Training farmers and others about seed testing began a few years later and continues to this day.  The ISU Seed Lab is a full-service lab offering more than 50 types of tests on more than 300 species of seeds.  Species tested include corn, soybean, cereals, grasses, flowers, vegetables, small-seeded legumes and native species.  This position will be based out of the Germination lab. Tests typically conducted in the Germination lab include warm germination, cold tests, accelerating aging, tetrazolium and seed moisture.  Seed analysts assist in the annual Seed Analyst Short Course and they are encouraged to be active in seed organizations AOSA and SCST.  The Seed lab is part of the internationally known and respected Seed Science Center whose activities include international training, training & research in seed conditioning and research in seed pathology and physiology.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists laboratory manager and Seed Analyst III in functional supervision of Seed Analysts I and part-time student employees by providing guidance in following correct laboratory procedures.

• Recognizes problems and reports to appropriate authority.

• Assists in maintaining an orderly flow of seed samples through laboratory.

• Determines percentages of pure seed, weeds, other crop and inert components on all (agricultural, vegetable, flower, trees, and revegetation) submitted seed samples of agricultural seeds in accordance with the Association of Official Seed Analyst (AOSA), Agriculture Canada, and/or International Seed testing Association (ISTA) “Rules for Testing Seeds”.

• Verifies and identifies all common and noxious weed seeds and other crop seeds found in submitted samples, utilizing botanical keys, seed drawings and the ISU seed Herbarium (6500 specimens).

• Evaluates standardized germination tests and classifies seeds/seedlings in accordance with the AOSA, Agriculture Canada and/or ISTA “Rules for Testing Seeds."

• The viability of ungerminated and/or potentially dormant seeds must be determined at the conclusion of germination testing.

• Conducts tetrazolium tests according to the AOSA and ISTA guidelines.

• Identifies and records botanical name of pathogenic and saprophytic fungi species associated with submitted sample and/or germination tests.

• Evaluates and monitors the progress of specialized tests.

• Assists Seed Analyst III in determining appropriate purity and germination procedures for species not covered under AOSA or ISTA testing procedures.

• Conducts routine seed health tests, including: blotter tests, agar tests, microscopic exams, wash tests, bacterial dilution tests, seedling grow outs, and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) for viruses.

• Confirms species identification with appropriate university staff.

• Conducts variety purity tests and determines variants and off-types.

• Maintains a varietal database for each respective species and varieties tested.

• Utilized testing procedures such as: hilum exam, peroxidase test, fluorescence test, and with seed company personnel when required.

• Assists laboratory manager and Seed Analyst III in conducting short courses, workshops, tours, and laboratory sessions.

• Answers general questions and explains rules used in testing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of AOSA and ISTA ”Rules for Testing Seeds” and other related publications such as Seed Laws and Handbooks concerning seed testing issues.

• Knowledge of seed morphology and physiology.

• Knowledge of early growth characteristics of various groups of seeds in order to properly evaluate their growth potential.

• Skill in all phases of seed analysis.

• Skill in identifying a large number of weed seeds as well as crop seeds.

• Skill in identifying the commonly encountered fungi and bacteria species.

• Ability to examine and manipulate small seeds and seedlings.

• Ability to perform mathematical computation in order to determine percentages from the weight calculations.

• Ability to instruct others in purity and germination procedures.

• Ability to work under a variety of conditions such as noise, pollen, odors, chemicals, dust and mold.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

08

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program• This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.

Original Posting Date:

June 19, 2023

Posting Close Date:

October 12, 2023

Job Requisition Number:

R12118

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