State of Maryland

A Seed Analyst III is the full performance level of seed analysis work. Employees in this classification are responsible for independently conducting routine, specialized, and difficult tests and analyses of seed lot samples to determine the purity and/or germination levels of a wide variety of seed types. Employees in this classification accurately identify the specific contents of a lot sample, categorize and weigh each portion of the sample,compute percentage values, and record the results of each analysis conducted. Employees in this classification, assigned to the germination section, determine the appropriate test to be performed, develop and implement test procedures, and analyze and record test results. Employees in this classification independently perform tests and analysis; are assigned a wide variety of seed types, seed characteristics and analytical procedures; and must possess broad technical knowledge and capability. Employees in this classification assist in the training and supervision of lower-level Seed Analysts and trainees as required.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Seed Analyst Supervisor, and/or the Program Manager.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology. The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The Seed Analyst I, Seed Analyst II, and Seed Analyst III are differentiated on the basis of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees. The Seed Analyst I learns to perform the duties under close supervision. The Seed Analyst II performs duties under close supervision at times and under general supervision at other times depending on the complexity of the specific duty being performed. The Seed Analyst III performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision. The Seed Analyst Advanced is differentiated from the Seed Analyst III in that the Seed Analyst Advanced performs specialized analysis on a wide variety of complex seed lots.

Performs analyses of seed lot samples in order to determine purity;

Separates and identifies pure seed, inert material, other crop seed and weed seeds;

Weighs particles from seed lots and computes percentage composition of samples;

Operates and maintains microscopes, balances, blowers, calculators, germinators, moisture testers and other equipment common to seed technology;

Performs germination tests of seed lot samples;

Record results of tests and/or analyses conducted;

Compares purity and/or germination claims with results obtained and refers discrepancies to supervisor;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the names, characteristics and methods of identification of a wide variety of crop, grass and weed seed;

Knowledge of the basic principles of botany pertaining to seed characteristics, terminology and nomenclature of seed parts and seed germination and growth;

Ability to accurately identify and classify various seed types according to observed characteristics;

Ability to make percentage computations;

Ability to operate balances, scales, germinators, blowers, dividers and other specialized equipment used in seed analysis;

Ability to use reference and resource materials effectively;

Ability to maintain accurate records on analyses performed;

Ability to supervise the work of others.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Three years of successful, progressively responsible seed analysis work in a governmental agency or private industry.

OR

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Two years of experience as an intermediate level Seed Analyst in State service.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute additional education in agronomy, biology, horticulture, botany, or a related science at an accredited college or university on a year-for-year basis for up to one year of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in soil conservation classifications or soil conservation specialty codes in the soil conservation field of work on a year-for- year basis for the required experience.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit B, Administrative, Technical and Clerical classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance levels in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class as defined in the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification, and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.