The Washington State Department of Agriculture services the people of Washington by supporting the agricultural community and promoting consumer and environmental protection.


The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Seed Program has a permanent, full-time opening for a Laboratory Assistant 2 in the Yakima Office. The Seed Program is part of the Commodity Inspection Division and is responsible for seed certification, seed testing, phytosanitary inspection and seed inspection.
 
As the Lab Assistant 2 you will be performing routine laboratory work that supports the purity and viability sections within the seed laboratory. You will be working under the direct supervision of the Seed Lab Supervisor performing basic laboratory tests, assisting laboratory technicians with purity and viability testing, and filling in for the Lab Assistant 1 during workload peaks.
 
Our ideal applicant will have a minimum of one year of experience as a Laboratory Assistant 1, familiarity with seed testing processes and procedures, and at least one year of experience with elementary bacteriology and chemistry.

Duties:

• Works with laboratory technicians to perform qualitative laboratory purity, germination and viability testing for basic routine crop varieties according to the specific methodology such as Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) rules for testing seed, International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), rules for testing seeds and the Canadian Methods and Procedures and applies certification standards when applicable.
• Performs seed planting in order to obtain seedling for germination/viability testing.
• Tracks seed samples, monitors performance of germination system, and evaluates viability results for designated categories.
• Checks samples into the seed lab and assists Laboratory Technicians by preparing samples for testing according to the rules and regulations that apply.
• Weighs, or counts seeds using calibrated equipment, planting boards or other seed selection practices for the purpose of obtaining an unbiased sample.
• Checks samples into the seed lab and assists Laboratory Technicians by preparing samples for testing according to the rules and regulations that apply.
• Follows established procedures, rules and regulations when mixing chemicals used in the seed testing laboratory. Monitors the chemical storage inventory and reports when supplies need to be re-ordered.
• Assists with filing completed samples and sanitizing lab equipment.

 
Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least one year of experience as a Laboratory Assistant 1.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret and comprehend directives, notices, rules and regulations and state policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to follow directions from supervisors, managers, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to interact tactfully and effectively with employees, customers, stakeholders and management.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work cooperatively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to categorize numerically.
• Ability to navigate websites and software with instruction.
• Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid driver’s license to travel on agency business.

Desired Qualifications:

• More than one year’s experience with elementary bacteriology and chemistry.
• Familiarity with seed testing processes, procedures and standards such as Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA), International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), Canadian Methods and Procedures, Federal Seed Act, Washington State Administrative Codes related to see certification standards and United States Department of Agriculture regulations.

 
Supplemental Information:
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. This means employees are required to pay regular union dues or non-association fees within 30 calendar days of their start date.
 
This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
 
HOW TO APPLY: 
 
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and attach a letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
 
To take advantage of Veteran’s preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and date of birth before attaching.
 
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state’s on-line recruitment system.
 
If you are unable to apply on-line, please contact Lyndsey Beaupre, Recruiter, at (360) 902-2020 or jobs@agr.wa.gov. Please include your last name and the position title in the subject line of your email.
 
The State of Washington actively supports diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who need assistance in the application process or who need this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2020 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388.