We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership. 

The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

Overview

The Georgia State Seed Laboratory is in Tifton, Georgia, and is a part of the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Laboratory Division.

The State Seed Laboratory is responsible for the testing of seed samples for the State of Georgia, as well as other states and external customers. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Manages the day-to-day operation of the Seed Laboratory
• Responsible for regulatory review and enforcement of the Georgia Seed Law
• Manages the staff of the Seed Laboratory
• Responsible for monitoring and maintaining the quality assurance of seed testing
• Responsible for establishing seed laboratory policies and procedures
• Serves as the liaison between the seed laboratory and tolatory partners
• Serves as the liaison, between the seed laboratory and federal regulatory partners
• Serves as the liaison between the seed laboratory and the Seed industry
• Serves as the liaison between the seed laboratory and the professional seed associations (AOSA, AASCO, etc.)
• Ensures that all seed samples are received, stored, and tested properly
• Assists with preparing media and/or reagents for use in performing routine analysis of samples
• Performs laboratory tests and procedures following proper protocols to ensure that samples are stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively
• Responsible for ensuring all seed laboratory staff follow all laboratory safety procedures
• Responsible for ensuring that all test data is recorded accurately
• Ensures that all seed samples are evaluated, and results are recorded for germination factors based on the AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds and according to state and federal laws
• Responsible for ensuring that all samples are properly received and logged into the laboratory information system (LIMS)
• Ensures that all laboratory equipment is properly maintained and operated
• Ensures that all laboratory equipment is properly monitored, adjusted, recorded, and maintained correct settings for seed testing
• May monitor and record laboratory systems, such as refrigerators, ovens, incubators, and germinators for compliance with requirements
• Conduct special analyses according to AOSA handbook guidelines or other protocol
• Responsible for preparing reports, summaries, and charts that interpret test results
• Responsible for identifying staff training needs and providing training opportunities
• Serves as the lead in both the germination and purity labs
• Ensures that testing supplies are inventoried and purchasing of all materials needed is conducted promptly
• Responsible for ensuring that all Federal Seed Act violations are properly submitted to the USDA
• Responsible for sending out seed sample reports to companies and individuals
• Responsible for keeping the Laboratory Division Director up to date on the seed laboratory
• Other duties as assigned

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college/university (preferably life sciences or agriculture)
• Minimum of 2 years of laboratory experience
• Minimum of 2 years related supervisory experience
• Ability to become certified in Seed Germination and Seed Purity within 5 years of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to applicants, who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess knowledge and abilities in the following areas:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a related field from an accredited college/university (preferably life sciences or agriculture)
• 2 or more years of laboratory experience in a related field
• 2 or more years of managerial experience
• Certified in Seed Germination and Seed Purity
• Knowledge of seed laws for another state or federal program
• Comfortable with public speaking

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates.  The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory employment verification results, background, criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY:  Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers.

• Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided.  Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process.  Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification. 

If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *