Starke Ayres: Trainee Seed Analyst at Plennegy Group

REQUIREMENTS:

Sampling of seed

• Sampling of seed lots according to ISTA rules.

Defect determination and purity analysis on seed

• Obtain submitted sample according to the ISTA rules and perform defect determination and purity analysis.
• Do kernel count when requested.
• Report results on the job card and enter the results the register and EMS
• Evaluation of seedlings in a germination test, according to the ISTA rules
• Do a first count on the germination as prescribed by the ISTA rules.
• Counts needs to be reported as a percentage on the germination card, register and EMS and when necessary completed on a lab report.
• Make decisions on retesting when replicates are not within tolerance.

Quality control

• Test seed received and seed presented by the factory with regard to grading, defects, purity, germination and moisture.
• Check the physical appearance of the bags, labels, stacking of pallets and quantities of a presentation and represented seed in stock.
• Test germination of represented seed and process failures when necessary.

Laboratory maintenance

• Record daily temperature readings on all apparatus, storerooms and laboratory.
• Supervise general maintenance of the seed store.
• Control and calibration of balances.
• Control of all laboratory stock.

Reports quality of seed samples

• Complete seed analysis reports for presentation and representation samples for Production, Export and Marketing.

General

• Respond to queries from Head Office, Packing, Production, Export, Marketing, Quality, Assurance Manager.
• Perform any reasonable task allocated by superiors to ensure the effective functioning of the seed-testing laboratory.

Requirements

QUALIFICATION:

• Grade 12 with Biology
• Agricultural Diploma / B. Tech / Bachelor's degree/applicable experience (ideal)
• Seed Biology course
• Seed Science course