Associate Seed Botanist

Sacramento, CA, United States

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: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/Bulletin.aspx?examCD=4FAAS.

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 Duty Statement.

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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

* ASSOCIATE SEED BOTANIST

Additional Documents

* Job Application Package Checklist

* Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-431724

Position #(s):

014-625-0493-003

Working Title:

Associate Seed Botanist

Classification:

ASSOCIATE SEED BOTANIST

$6,244.00 - $7,749.00 A

$6,535.00 - $8,122.00 B

$6,852.00 - $8,511.00 C

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services, Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch (PPDB) serves as an official scientific resource, providing accurate and timely diagnostics of plants and plant pests and professional expertise to CDFA and our clientele. PPDB delivers cutting-edge research on the identification and characterization of plant pests for the benefit of California agriculture and for the protection of our native ecosystems. For more information: www.cdfa.ca.gov.

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 rsums, 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.

Application Instructions

Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Food & Agriculture

Attn: Human Resource Branch JC-431724

1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Food & Agriculture

Human Resource Branch JC-431724

1220 N Street, Room 242

Sacramento, CA 95814

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-431724

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

* Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.

* Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.

* Statement of Qualifications -

A completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your State Application to be considered. The SOQ must follow the specifics as stated in the "Special Requirements" section.

* Other - Transcripts

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

* Possession of an advanced degree (or equivalent) in plant or agricultural sciences, with a specialization in plant systematics or plant physiology.

* Familiarity in making identifications of plants or seeds with professional competence.

* Experience in conducting independent highly specialized research and analysis in the plant or agricultural sciences.

* Familiarity with laboratory techniques for preservation and study of seed physiology and other related fields.

* Experience identifying crop and weed species and performing seed analyses.

* Willingness to obtain an internationally recognized Registered Seed Technologist (RST) and /or a Certified Seed Analyst (CSA) certification in both purity and germination.

* Ability to prioritize work on multiple tasks, manage time wisely, and have strong organizational skills.

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

* An understanding of ethics with respect to confidential and sensitive situations.

* Be reliable, dependable, and maintain good attendance.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:

Kari Sedra

(916) 738-6667

[email protected]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

Office of Civil Rights

(916) 654-1005

[email protected]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Hard Copy Applications

If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 10/2023 version.

Additional Information

Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.

If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.

Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.

Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.

This position may require a medical clearance.

Alternate Classifications and Training and Development assignments may be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

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