Position Summary

The Seeds of Success (SOS) program is a national native seed conservation initiative led by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in partnership with organizations across the United States. The program focuses on the collection, processing, testing, and long-term conservation of genetically diverse native plant seeds for restoration, research, and conservation.

This position is located at the Forest Service National Seed Laboratory in Dry Branch, GA. The incumbent provides technical assistance to professional and technical personnel by performing a variety of recurring and moderately complex laboratory tests, processing and cleaning seed collections, and conducting a variety of tasks in support of the national seed lab’s quality management system.

Funding is secured for three years. The position’s term may be extended should additional revenue lines be secured.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of the appropriate biological science and skill in understanding instructions readily to accomplish a variety of technical duties common to seed testing laboratories.
• Knowledge of applicable data gathering techniques in order to select from available alternatives and to adapt them to meet specific situations without seriously affecting the validity and reliability of collected data.
• Ability to recognize various stages of seed and plant development, including cone and seed maturity, seedling growth, health, and pest-related plant biology, including taxonomy, anatomy, ecology, and physiology, to ensure accurate seed analysis.
• Knowledge of technical terminology used in the seed laboratory, nursery, and seed extractory, and skill in applying such knowledge to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and operate equipment used to collect samples.
• Analytical ability to perform routine mathematical calculations and keep detailed and precise records used to prepare simple technical reports.
• Skill in using standard laboratory and field equipment, with dexterity to perform assigned duties
• Basic knowledge of accepted safety practices to prevent injury and loss of life.

Physical Demands

• Be able to lift 50 pounds
• The work environment has risks or discomforts that require following normal safety precautions and using safety equipment such as protective clothing, boots, gloves, goggles, dust mask, ear protection, and other gear
• Incumbents will use chemicals or other products that require the following MSDS guidelines and other instructions
• Work will primarily be performed in a seed laboratory. 
• General working conditions are favorable, but will require working in a cooler or freezer where temperatures can be extreme (cold). 
• Work may also be performed at a seed processing plant or nursery where rain, wind, or unfavorable temperature conditions may be encountered. 
• Employees must exercise safe work practices in all workstations.
• Sitting at a laboratory workstation for prolonged periods of time often requires the use of magnification aids and microscopes.
• Manual dexterity and the ability to use tweezers and other laboratory instruments for detailed seed examination are required. 
• Occasional field work at seed processing plants or nurseries will occur in an outdoor setting.
• Stamina to work for long periods of time evaluating seed and seedlings is required.

Duties/Responsibilities

Laboratory Work

• Conduct routine laboratory tests (moisture content, purity, seed count, full seed, germination) to determine seed quality.
• Maintain and operate specialized laboratory equipment.
• Record test data and prepare reports following established guidelines.
• Assist in developing and documenting experimental testing methods.
• Follow seed processing protocols. 
• Use tools and equipment to clean and upgrade seed collections. 
• Document steps to develop new seed processing protocols.
• Collaborate with staff to clean, maintain, package, and ship germplasm conservation seed collections for long-term storage.
• Manage and record actions as necessary to meet quality management system requirements.
• Any other tasks related to the project requested by the supervisor.

Percentage of time 80

Field Work

• Collect seeds from native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.

Percentage of time 10

Outreach and Education

• Assist SBG/NSL staff in conducting tours, training, field days and other technology transfer activities appropriate to the position.
• Present work at professional conferences and public forums

Percentage of time 5

Training and Development

• Complete required training by UGA and NSL to maintain access to job-critical systems

Percentage of time 5