ASSOCIATE SEED BOTANIST

Job Description and Duties

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

In order to be eligible for this position, applicants must complete the Associate Seed Botanist Examination, code 4FAAS. Follow the link : .

Under the supervision of Environmental Program Manager I, the Associate Seed Botanist has the primary responsibility for germination, viability, purity and vigor testing of seed samples, providing scientific consultation, keeping abreast of scientific advancements and their application to seed quality testing, and performing research.

Duties include but not limited to :

• Direct the preparation of seed samples for purity and physiological analyses, phytosanitary diagnostics, quarantine examinations and feed mill certification by technical staff.
• Perform seed quality testing (including but not limited to purity analyses, noxious weed seed examination, cultivar verification, phytosanitary diagnostic testing, etc.

of seed for planting in accordance with the California Seed Law, the Federal Seed Act Regulations, international phytosanitary requirements, and other national and international regulatory requirements.

Aid Senior Seed Botanists in performing quarantine seed sample diagnostics, including the identification of all plant propagules in quarantine samples, and specifically propagules from species considered prohibited or regulated (i.

e., rated plant pests) by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the federal government.

• Evaluate quality of agricultural, vegetable, and other seed by examination of seedling development and morphology in laboratory germination tests for labelling, regulatory and investigative requirements.
• Aid Senior Seed Botanists in diagnosing seed germination and seedling development problems using other methodology, including, but not limited to, seed vigor assessment and examination of the internal anatomy and morphology of the seed / fruit and seed embryo.
• Assess seed / seedling performance in response to variables such as temperature, moisture, light, plant hormones, and chemical agents, and paired laboratory / greenhouse or plant growth chamber grow-outs.
• Propose novel / alternate seed testing protocols in seed quality testing by designing and conducting experiments, collecting data to describe and solve problems, performing statistical analyses of experimental data, interpreting and presenting findings orally, or publishing findings in recognized scientific publications.
• Aid Senior Seed Botanists in providing training in workshops and on individual basis to counties, state and university facilities on topics related to seed physiology and seed quality testing, as requested by the Seed Laboratory training director.

Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Work is accomplished mainly within the Seed Science Laboratory at the Plant Pest Diagnostics Center (PPDC). The laboratory houses the California State Seed Herbarium collection and a seed and botany library.

The labs are equipped with standard processing facilities and specialized equipment. The standard equipment and materials used in seed quality testing and research include seed dividers, electronic balances, microscopes, digital magnification / photographic systems, chemicals, glassware, fume hoods, free-standing and walk-in germination chambers, herbarium cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, thermogradient table, growth chamber, moisture ovens, vacuum, gas and compressed air fixtures, vacuum counting heads, x-ray machine, cold storage room, etc.

Individual office / laboratory spaces are each equipped with one built-in standing-height counter with a sink with eyewash, wall-mounted bookshelves, assorted tables, shelves, file cabinets, and desks to accommodate microscopes, fiber optic lights, digital photography systems, computers, printers, scanners, books and other literature, and various equipment and supplies.

Safety features include emergency showers, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits in every room. PPDC also houses a multi-room DNA laboratory, an electron microscopy suite (SEM and TEM), a macrophotography station, and a literature reference library.

PPDC houses four other scientific laboratories (Botany, Nematology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology).

PPDC is located near public light rail transportation and offers free parking.

Special Requirements

Applicants are required to submit a completed standard state application (Examination / Employment Application STD 678), a copy of college transcripts (official or non-official), and a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ).

The completed SOQ must address the one item below and shall not exceed a total of one single-spaced page in length, using Arial, 12point font size, and one-inch margins.

Applications that do not include a copy of college transcripts and the SOQs below may not be considered. Applicants may also submit résumés, letters, and other materials, but these will not be considered as responses to the SOQ.

Statement of Qualifications

1. Describe how your education, experience, knowledge and skills qualify you for this position.

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