SENIOR SEED ANALYST
Senior Seed Analyst is a state title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
Candidates need a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $66,592 to $97,354.
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 direction of a Principal Seed Analyst or other supervisory official, in the Department of Agriculture, plans the work program in germination testing, makes the more difficult purity analyses, and trains Seed Analysts; does other related duties.
Examples of work
- Performs purity analyses on agricultural seeds and grass mixtures submitted to the laboratory for labeling compliance.
- Provides support to Seed Analysts with difficult separations of seeds in preparation for seed tests.
- Provides support in the identification of seed and plan specimens submitted to the laboratory to determine truth and accuracy of seed labels.
- Prepares and implements work programs in each section of the laboratory concerning purity, germ, vigor, variety and various chemical tests necessary to determine compliance with the Seed Law.
- Performs required tests on agricultural, vegetable, flower, and tree seeds as required under the Seed Law.
- Interprets germination and identification tests for labeling compliance.
- Develops methods and techniques in seed testing to improve efficiency and reliability.
- Identifies through analysis the purity and germination testing of field vegetable, flower, lawn and tree seeds for purposes of updating new procedures, techniques and recognition of seed varieties.
- Independently performs germination and purity analysis, recording data and overseeing work performed by a Seed Analyst.
- Prepares reports of seed analysis.
- 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
Two (2) years of professional 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 problems which arise in supervising all phases of seed testing, including purity analysis and the determination of germination percentages.
- Knowledge of the principles of botany.
- Knowledge of the principles of seed science.
- Knowledge of the various kinds of grass and other agricultural seeds which are subject to inspection.
- Knowledge of and skill in laboratory techniques, procedures and analysis in the field of seed testing.
- Knowledge of the equipment and terminology used in seed testing and analysis.
- Knowledge of and skill in the operation, minor adjustment and care of laboratory equipment.
- Knowledge of and ability to read and understand the provisions of the New Jersey Seed Laws pertaining to seed quality/control and the regulations of the Department of Agriculture promulgated thereunder.
- Ability to acquire knowledge of those seeds subject to inspection under the Seed Law of New Jersey.
- 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 oversee the accurate examination of seeds.
- Ability to manipulate with dexterity small seeds under analysis.
- Ability to compute readings on the analytical balance.
- Ability to make preliminary identifications of various kinds of agricultural and weed seeds.
- Ability to carry out purity analysis and germination tests independently and to oversee personnel engaged in all phases of seed testing.
- Ability to give appropriate assignments and instructions to Seed Analysts and other laboratory employees and oversee the performance of their work.
- Ability to use a microscope and microscopic techniques with skill.
- Ability to prepare reports of seed testing.
- Ability to maintain records and files.
- Ability 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, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform 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.