Seed Certification Specialist

Oregon State University, United States

Updated: 12 days ago
Location: Corvallis, OREGON
Deadline: 18 Apr 2024

Position Details
Position Information


Department Crop/Soil Sci Extension (ACS)
Position Title Specialist 2-Seed Cert 2
Job Title Seed Certification Specialist
Appointment Type Professional Faculty
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
The Department of Crop and Soil Science is seeking a Seed Certification Specialist. This position is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month professional faculty position.
The incumbent contributes to the mission of the Oregon State University Extension Service (OSUES) and the College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) with the principal responsibility for delivery of the Oregon State University Extension Seed Certification Service (OSCS) program.
This position requires extensive experience in a certification program to provide leadership, coordination, organization, planning, execution, and communication in field and greenhouse inspection activities for all certified seed crops in the state. To coordinate the inspection programs in the assigned geographical and specific program areas and other related tasks as assigned by the Manager.
Communicate with clients, as needed, regarding inspection topics. Perform related tasks as assigned by the Manager; e.g., development of new crop standards for review by the Manager and appropriate Advisory Committee and acceptance by the Board, and/or serving as secretary for Advisory Committees and Sub-Committees, recruiting and supervising student workers, temporary seasonal workers, and/or intermittent employees. Perform work in various other capacities in support of the OSCS program.
The team member will ensure that all people have equal employment and program participation opportunities regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or Vietnam-era
veteran status.
College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for extension and outreach are likewise committed to learn success through programming appropriate for diverse audience.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS:
• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
70% Provide leadership in maintaining and developing Certification programs to distinguish Oregon, the Oregon Extension Service and Oregon State University as world leaders in the seed production and conditioning industry; these duties include
the following:
  • Participation in all Oregon Seed Certification Service programs to include: both ground and flight seed crop inspections, plant disease detection, seed stock, assessments, establishment and evaluation of OECD plot trials, Extension education
  • activities related to Seed Certification and other Certification events that may develop. Field work requires driving.
  • Maintenance of genetic and mechanical purity of agronomic cultivars, and native plant germplasm. Detection of disease and parasites of: grasses, potatoes, legumes, mint, small grains, native plants and several miscellaneous crops.
  • With approval of the OSCS Manager, serve as a resource person that cooperates closely with the Oregon State University Extension Research and Resident Instruction programs, and other local, regional, and national agencies.


Major assignment areas may include, but are not limited to:
  • Inspections in all Oregon counties with certification activity.
  • Assigned crops include grasses, legumes, potatoes, sunflowers, mint, hybrid crops, genetically modified varieties, and other miscellaneous crops that are part of the OSCS program.
  • Coordination of specific Certification programs as assigned by the OSCS Manager.
  • Duties related to the operation of the Certification Advisory Committees, Oregon Seed Certification, Foundation Seed and Plant Materials Board.

20% Use of the OSCS database and information systems to include data entry, review, update, retrieval, summarization and presentation of the data. Apply protocols for database security and privacy of information. Review Certification data to ensure accuracy and that it meets current requirements as outlined in the Oregon Seed Certification Service standards.
10% Provide reports in assigned areas, as required. The Specialist attends and conducts meetings, trainings, provides presentations and participates in programs related to Seed Certification.
What You Will Need
Expertise in collection and reporting of agronomic and/or plant data including field sampling and measurements. Experience in field identification of crops, weeds and plant diseases.
Demonstrated ability in project planning, organization, cooperation, implementation and reporting. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in formal written documents.
Must provide support as a team member to fellow staff in the department.
Proficiency in conducting required crop and wildland inspections in various field, weather, and other unfavorable conditions.
Ability to operate an ATV or field inspections, including loading and unloading from a pick-up with ramps.
Assist in aerial inspections from a helicopter for several hours per day and for several consecutive days each year. Must be willing to coordinate with the helicopter pilot to provide navigation between fields and flight directions while in the air. Collaborate with a data recorder/assisting inspector, and also serve as a data recorder/assisting inspector for another Specialist.
Ability to operate a tractor in a greenhouse or field setting.
Perform as a productive and cooperative team member in a work environment.
Willing and able to confer with seed industry clients regarding inspections and the status of certified fields, seed lots, seed warehouses and compliance with seed certification requirements and procedures.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
Seed Certification Specialist 1 Level:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Botany, Horticulture, Natural Resources or related fields.
  • Two years’ experience in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: seed certification, agronomic or plant ecology research, seed crop production or services, agronomic crop production or services.


Seed Certification Specialist 2 Level:
  • Master’s degree in Agronomy, Botany, Horticulture, Natural Resource Sciences, or related field; and five (5) years of experience in one of the following areas: Seed Certification, Agronomic or Plant Ecology research, Seed Crop production or
  • services, Agronomic Crop production or services.

OR
  • Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Botany Horticulture, Natural Resource Sciences, or related field; and ten (10) years of experience in one of the following areas: Seed Certification, Agronomic or Plant Ecology research, Seed Crop production or service, Agronomic Crop production or services.
What We Would Like You to Have
Experience in GIS (geographic information systems) and mapping programs.
Experience using MAC computers.
Life experience, education or training that broadens capacity to equalize student success or impact under-served audiences.
Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as required. Up to 25% out-of-town travel annually. This field work requires independent travel by motor vehicle, typically a ½ – ¾ ton truck provided by Oregon State University. Inspections are completed either by helicopter, ATV or on foot and in uncomfortable weather. The capability of extensive walking/hiking on uneven ground and during uncomfortable weather conditions; to include assorted levels of heat, cold, rain, wind, and extremely heavy pollen counts. Other conditions may include close proximity to wildlife and smoke from wildfires. High noise levels for up to two weeks during helicopter inspections in May/June each year. Must be able to lift, carry and pull objects weighing up to 50lbs., load and unload ATV from a pick-up truck bed using ramps and operate a tractor in greenhouse and/or field settings.
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience
Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/81570

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number P07841UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 05/01/2024
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 03/04/2024
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 04/18/2024
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
The closing date has been extended in order to expand the original applicant pool.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact:
| Alex Albion
| [email protected]
| 541-737-4513
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [email protected] .

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