SEED ANALYST
New Jersey treats Seed Analyst as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
The minimum is a bachelor's degree and 1 year of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $58,222 and $84,763.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the close supervision of a Principal Seed Analyst or other supervisory official, in the Department of Agriculture, does routine technical and other laboratory work related to seed analysis programs; does other related work.
Examples of work
- Performs routine, technical seed tests necessary to determine compliance with the seed law.
- Operates seed mixers, dividers, counters and scales, and analytical balances to mix sub-samples and weigh seeds required for seed testing.
- Operates a seed blower to remove and measure inert matter from samples to determine compliance with seed label law.
- Separates working sample of common agricultural seeds into four components (pure seed, other crop seed, inert matter, and weed seeds) and identifies species by the botanical name through the use of visual aids to determine truth and accuracy of seed label.
- Places seeds on the prescribed substratum blotter, towels, petri dishes, (sand and/or soil) and places planted seeds on trays or in baskets into specific environments of constant or alternating temperatures with or without illumination to determine germination of various seed varieties.
- Assists in the interpretation of germinator and identification tests for labeling compliance.
- Prepares reports concerning seeds tested.
- Maintains the records and files.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Botany, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science or Biological Science, which shall include or be supplemented by 9 credit hours in Botany or Plant Science.
Experience
One (1) year of experience in laboratory work involving seed analysis programs.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of the principles of botany.
- Knowledge of the principles of seed science.
- Knowledge of laboratory techniques, equipment and terminology.
- Knowledge of the various kinds of grass and other agricultural seeds which are subject to inspection.
- Knowledge of and skill in the operation, minor adjustment and care of laboratory equipment.
- Ability to read and understand the provisions of the New Jersey Seed Laws and the regulations of the Department of Agriculture promulgated thereunder.
- Ability to organize assigned laboratory-testing work, analyze seed test problems, and develop appropriate work methods.
- Ability to carry out oral and written instructions.
- Ability to make accurate examinations of very small seeds over extended periods of time.
- Ability to manipulate with dexterity small seeds being analyzed.
- Ability to compute readings on the analytical balance.
- Ability to make preliminary identification of various kinds of agricultural and weed seed.
- Ability to prepare reports of seed testing.
- Ability to maintain records and files.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
A Master's degree in any of the above subjects may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.