SEED ANALYST I

Introduction The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health, consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continues to expand and grow. MDA's Vision Achieving excellence in programs and services that preserve and protect agricultural resources and the environment, promote profitable agriculture and consumer confidence, and enhance the quality of life for all Marylanders. MDA's Mission Providing leadership and support to agriculture and the citizens of Maryland by conducting regulatory, service, and educational activities that assure consumer confidence, protect the environment, and promote agriculture. Turf and Seed Program Our Turf and Seed Program conducts regulatory and service programs, including seed inspection, testing, certification and quality control services, designed to ensure the continued availability of high-quality seed to Maryland's seed consumers. Seed is the single most important input to any cropping system. GRADE 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. LOCATION OF POSITION 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Main Purpose of Job 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. POSITION DUTIES 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. Minimum Qualifications 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 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. 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. Desired Or Preferred Qualifications 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 SELECTION PROCESS 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. EXAMINATION PROCESS The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS B

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. For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Stacey Summers View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Maryland