General Technical Assistant (Roodeplaat) at Department of Agriculture(DOA)

REQUIREMENTS :

• Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 certificate with Life Sciences (Biology) and Mathematics Literacy as passed subjects. Job Related Work Experiences: No working experience required.

DUTIES :

• Conduct physical purity analysis. Asses physical status of samples, weight and report. Apply appropriate dividing technique, weight, and report. Interpret purity technical requirements for the applicable seed kind (Pure Seed Definition). Apply the PSD to conduct analysis procedures. Study other seed if found and observe seed characteristics according to familiarities.
• Compare seed with identification literature and confirm comparison with seed in reference collection. Describe, weight and report results. Package components for record purposes and additional testing. File laboratory report in specified area. Report non-conformances and incidents. Conduct germination test, i.e planting and evaluation: Planting: Verify and interpret the applicable planting requirements for the seed kind.
• Prepare containers and substrate according to prescribed method. Apply appropriate dividing technique for obtaining a planting work sample. Position seed in/on substrate, complete planting procedure and place into correct germination apparatus (temperatures specific). Report planting details on germination work sheet. File laboratory in specified area. Report non-conformances and incidents.
• Evaluation: Verify and interpret the applicable technical seedling evaluation criteria for the seed kind. Report any general observations. Apply technical judgement to assess the physical appearance of the replicate. Group seedlings and left over seed according to prescribed categories. Report number of seedlings and left over seed per group / category and described abnormalities on germination work sheet.
• Finalise test or extent incubation period when required according to ISTA Rules. File laboratory report in specified area. Reporting of non-conformances and incidents. Conduct test related to seed analysis, other than purity analysis and germination test as required for quality determination.
• Verify seed kind. Read, interpret and apply test technical methodology applicable to test type as requested. Consult relevant officials, if required. Report results on work sheet. File laboratory report in specified area. Report non-conformances and incidents. Implement quality assurance system, occupational health and safety measures and good laboratory practices.
• Maintaining and calibration of apparatus. Maintaining tidiness of work area/surfaces. Apply health and safety measures in accordance with legislation and prescribed procedures e.g. make use of Personal Protection Equipment. Apply rules and standards for handling, packing, filing, and storage to maintain quality of samples and documents. Filing of records / documents. Report of non-conformances and incidents.