Seed Analyst 1 - Laboratory Scientist 1

Working Title: Seed Analyst 1**

**Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 1**

**Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture**

+ **Job ID** : 87148

+ **Location** : St. Paul

+ **Telework Eligible** : No

+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Unlimited

+ **Who May Apply** : This vacancy is open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers.

+ **Date Posted** : 07/03/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 07/09/2025

+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Minnesota Department of Agriculture

+ **Division/Unit** : Laboratory Services Division / Plant Analysis Unit

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift

+ **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday

+ **Travel Required** : No

+ **Salary Range:** $25.29 - $36.71 / hourly; $52,805 - $76,650 / annually

+ **Classified Status** : Classified

+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

+ **FLSA Status** : Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ( : Yes

**The work you'll do is more than just a job.**

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position performs routine purity, germination and disease analyses on agricultural, vegetable, flower, turf, tree and native seed. This position supports the service testing functions of the Minnesota State Plant and Seed Laboratory in support of the regulatory and inspection activities of the Plant Protection Division.

Responsibilities include:

+ Preparing various biological samples so the sample is in the proper condition prior to its analysis.

+ Analyzing routine samples and ensuring the appropriate methodology is determined so that results are of a sufficient quality.

+ Compiling, reviewing and assessing analysis information so that the data reported is complete.

+ Performing and documenting all quality control procedures using sound quality assurance principles so that reported data can withstand legal and scientific review.

**Minimum Qualifications**

_To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held._

One year of experience in plant disease or seed testing in a laboratory setting.

OR

A Bachelor of Science in Biology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Agricultural Science, Botany or other closely related degree.

Additional qualification include:

+ Willingness and ability to become a Certified Seed Analyst.

+ Ability to interpret and follow complex oral and written directions, formulas and procedures sufficient to perform routine analyses.

+ Ability to apply scientific judgement to all aspects of work.

+ The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

**Preferred Qualifications**

A Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Biology, Agronomy, Plant Science, Agricultural Science, Botany or other closely related degree that focuses on plant disease or seed classwork.

Experience and knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Experience and knowledge of working in an ISO17025 laboratory environment.

**Physical Requirements**

This position exists in an analytical laboratory. As such, all potential safety hazards associated with this type of environment are assumed to be present. Hazards include but are not limited to exposure to microbiological and chemical agents, mold allergens, hot surfaces, compressed gases and mechanical hazards. Specific safety equipment or personal protective gear may be required in certain circumstances. The person in this position must be comfortable working around these hazards and have sufficient knowledge to recognize them and prevent harm to themselves and others working around them. Sample preparation and analysis requires this position to stand at a laboratory bench and chemical fume hood and sit for long periods of time at a microscope. Data manipulation is on desk top personal computers which require keyboard and mouse operation. This position requires the ability to see in color and excellent vision to work with a large variety of colors, shapes and sizes of seeds as well as the finger dexterity to perform analysis of seeds.

**Additional Requirements**

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

+ SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)

+ Employment Reference Check

+ Conflict of Interest Review

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at ... or email ... . Please indicate what assistance is needed.