Certification Representative; FIELD Researcher RP

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Field Researcher 3 independently performs professional-level activities in planning, conducting, and evaluating seed certification and quality assurance programs. This position oversees the field inspection program for agronomic and vegetable seed crops (such as sunflower, safflower, sorghum, etc.). Acts as a technical liaison with applicants, growers, and industry stakeholders, providing expertise on certification standards, regulations, and compliance requirements.

The position exercises independent judgment in reviewing field applications, conducting inspections, preparing technical reports, and recommending certification decisions in accordance CCIA, AOSCA, and OECD standards.

Apply By Date 02/03/2026 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position.

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelors degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Crop Science, or related field
• Minimum 3-5 years experience in California agriculture or seed production
• Knowledge of agronomy, crop science, or related agricultural field practices
• Experience conducting field inspections and evaluating crops for varietal purity, isolation, weeds, and disease
• Demonstrated knowledge of seed certification processes and regulatory requirements (CCIA, AOSCA, OECD)

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with CCIA's operations, certification policies, and database systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with growers, breeders, and industry representatives
• Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple inspections and reports
• Ability to travel and work independently in field environments

• 40% - Field applications and certification inspections
• 20% - Certification technical committee
• 15% - Standards, policies, records
• 10% - Outreach, training, special projects
• 10% - Certification tags
• 5% - Grow-Outs

The CCIA is the official seed certifying agency in California as recognized by California Seed Law. In addition, the United States is a participant in the international seed certification scheme administered by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). USDA-AMS is the US designated authority and the CCIA is the only recognized certification agency in California under the OECD Seed Scheme.

The CCIA Organic Certification Program is administered under the USDA National Organic Certification Program, providing an independent third-party approval process for organic certification. The Seed Sampler Accreditation Program promotes acceptable sampling procedures to improve seed lot quality estimations for appropriate labeling and enhanced uniformity and consistency of seed sampling regulated by the Federal Seed Act and State Seed Law.

CCIA has an annual operating budget of approximately $1.7M. These funds are generated from fees assessed on applications to grow certified seeds and pounds of certified seed. The CCIA certifies ~90, acres per year in the state of California. CCIA is one of the three largest US Seed Certifying Agencies certifying an estimated  pounds of seed annually.

The Field Researcher 3 serves as a key technical specialist within the CCIA Seed Certification Program, providing independent oversight of field inspections, crop eligibility evaluations, and certification compliance across multiple agronomic and vegetable crops. This position directly supports CCIA's mission as California's official seed certifying agency by ensuring field, varietal, and program standards are properly applied and documented in accordance with CCIA, AOSCA, USDA, CDFA, and OECD rules.

The role has significant impact on program accuracy, regulatory compliance, and grower decision-making, and supports statewide certification activities across 90, acres annually. The Field Researcher 3 also contributes to program development by reviewing variety eligibility, participating in technical committees, guiding seasonal inspection staff, and representing CCIA in industry and agency interactions—ensuring consistency, integrity, and continued improvement of California's seed certification and quality assurance systems.

• Salary or Pay Range: $63,900.00 - $
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC
  
  Job Title:
  
  FIELD RESEARCHER 3 RP
• UC Job Code: 005246
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff:
  Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: RP - Research and Public Service Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

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