GA Seed Network Field Technician, State Botanical Garden at Dry Branch, GA

GA Seed Network Field Technician, State Botanical Garden Based at Dry Branch, GA

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Posting Number: S14775P

Working Title:

GA Seed Network Field Technician, State Botanical Garden Based at Dry Branch, GA
This posting will be used to hire multiple applicants.
Based at the Forest Service National Seed Laboratory in Dry Branch, GA.
Funding secured for three years; the position’s term may be extended if additional revenue lines are secured.

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, where the incumbent provides technical assistance and performs recurring laboratory tests, seed processing, and support for the national seed lab’s quality management system.

High school diploma or equivalent.

Not specified.

• 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.

• Be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Work environment requires normal safety precautions and use of 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.

• 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…