GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The SEED CERTIFICATION AIDE 1 visits seed warehouses to take samples of crop seed for testing. Provides and attaches certification tags to seed lots that have been tested and meet minimum quality standards.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the first level of a two-level series. It is distinguished from Level II by the absence of routine responsibility for overseeing the seed certification computer tag printing program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Scheduling. Typical tasks: takes calls from seed warehouses requesting sampling or tagging of crop seed lots; plans geographic routes to fulfill requests.
2. Sample Taking. Typical tasks: determines the number of sacks to be sampled based upon a set formula; verifying information required on seed certification sample sack (identification and location of warehouse, grower, variety and generation of seed, field number, lot number, number of sacks, and date of sampling); uses a probe to obtain a small quantity of seed from each sack sampled; places sample taken in test sack; returns sacks of samples to Extension Office for shipment to the Oregon State University (OSU) Seed Laboratory.
3. Certification Tagging. Typical tasks: receives certification test results from the Seed Laboratory for each lot sampled; delivers tags to the appropriate warehouse and either personally attaches or oversees the attachment of a certification tag to each sack in the lot; tagging may require bending, stooping or climbing to reach all bags.
4. Miscellaneous Duties. Typical tasks: assures that supplies of test sacks, report forms, and tags are adequate; orders and picks up supplies as needed; reviews purity and germination report files to be sure they are kept up-to-date; responds to customer, grower, shipper, or broker questions about schedule, test results, or current State, Federal or International seed certification laws and standards; tallies and reports lab-related statistics for the Extension Agent on request; attends in-house certification meetings to keep abreast of policies, procedures and certification standards and practices.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have routine (often daily), in-person and telephone contact with seed warehouse personnel, shippers, seed brokers and growers to schedule sampling/tagging or to provide information about tagging requirements related to State, Federal and International seed certification standards. The Seed Certification Aide I has occasional telephone contact with OSU Seed Laboratory Certification personnel to exchange information on specific seed test lots to assure that records are accurate.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive general supervision from a County Extension Agent, work independently in scheduling and completing their work and are responsible for assuring work is completed before seed is scheduled for shipment. Guidance is provided by the OSU Seed Certification Handbook as set forth under State and Federal laws, and standards of the European Economic Community, that relate to labeling and shipping of crop seed. Work records and reports are reviewed by a County Extension Agent for completeness and accuracy.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions are primarily found in areas of the state, both central and remote, where seed crops are grown. They require the willingness to work within the environment associated with the position?s location.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications are not established for this classification. The appointing authority is responsible for recruitment and selection. Refer to Personnel Rule 105-43-005.

4/15/03