Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Seed Technician

🎯 Role Definition

A Seed Technician is a hands-on specialist at the heart of the agricultural and biotechnology industries. This role is fundamental to ensuring the quality, viability, and integrity of seeds, which are the starting point for the global food supply. Working in diverse settings such as laboratories, processing plants, greenhouses, and research fields, a Seed Technician is responsible for a wide range of activities including seed cleaning, treating, testing, packaging, and inventory management.

This position is crucial for supporting breeding programs, commercial production, and quality assurance. A successful Seed Technician combines a strong attention to detail with practical skills and a deep understanding of plant biology and agricultural processes. They are the guardians of genetic potential, ensuring that every seed meets stringent standards before it reaches the farmer.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Recent Graduate (Agricultural Science, Biology, or related field)
Agricultural Laborer or Farm Hand
Warehouse or Production Associate
Laboratory Assistant

Advancement To:

Senior Seed Technician or Lead Technician
Seed Lab Supervisor or Manager
Field Research Associate
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Plant or Site Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Technician (Food or other industries)
Greenhouse Technician or Manager
Agronomy Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and adjust a variety of complex seed conditioning equipment, including air screen cleaners, gravity tables, spiral separators, and color sorters, to maximize seed quality and purity.
Conduct a comprehensive range of seed quality tests, such as germination, vigor, physical purity, and moisture analysis, following established AOSA (Association of Official Seed Analysts) or ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) protocols.
Meticulously collect, prepare, and package seed samples for internal analysis, external lab testing, or regulatory submission, ensuring accurate labeling and documentation.
Manage and maintain the seed inventory system with high accuracy, performing cycle counts, tracking seed lots, and ensuring proper warehouse location and storage conditions.
Assist research and breeding teams with field and greenhouse activities, including seed packet preparation, planting, pollinating, note-taking on plant traits, and harvesting of research plots.
Execute seed treatment processes by accurately calculating and applying fungicides, insecticides, or other enhancers using commercial treating equipment while adhering to all safety guidelines.
Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting on laboratory and processing equipment to ensure operational readiness and accurate results.
Safely operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks, to move seed and supplies within the facility.
Champion and rigorously adhere to all company safety (HSE) and quality management (QMS) policies and programs to foster a secure and high-quality work environment.
Utilize specialized software, databases, and standard office applications (like Excel) for precise data entry, tracking experimental results, and generating inventory reports.
Oversee the receiving, inspection, and documentation of incoming raw seed and materials to verify they meet quality specifications before entering the production stream.
Prepare, label, and package a wide variety of seed products for commercial sale, research trials, or inter-company shipment, ensuring compliance with all shipping regulations.
Participate actively in the harvest, drying, and shelling processes for various crops, monitoring conditions to preserve seed viability and quality.
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including researchers, agronomists, and site managers, to coordinate workflows and achieve production and research goals.
Maintain detailed and organized records for all activities, including equipment settings, test results, inventory movements, and production runs, for traceability and process improvement.
Support the management of regulated and controlled genetic materials, ensuring full compliance with government and industry stewardship protocols.
Contribute to continuous improvement projects by identifying opportunities for enhanced safety, quality, efficiency, and cost reduction within seed handling processes.
Assist in training seasonal staff and new team members on standard operating procedures (SOPs), equipment operation, and safety protocols.
Perform systematic cleaning and housekeeping of all work areas, including processing lines, labs, and warehouses, to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a safe environment.
Monitor and manage environmental conditions in seed storage areas, ensuring temperature and humidity levels are optimal for long-term seed preservation.

Secondary Functions

Assist with general site maintenance, minor repairs, and facility upkeep as needed to ensure a functional and orderly workplace.
Participate actively in safety committee meetings, site-wide safety drills, and process safety reviews.
Provide support for special projects and research initiatives as directed by site leadership or scientific staff.
Contribute to the organization and documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new or revised processes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Seed Conditioning Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating and fine-tuning cleaners, gravity tables, and sorters.
Seed Quality Testing: Knowledge of germination, purity, and vigor testing methods (AOSA/ISTA).
Data Management & Entry: High accuracy in using Excel, databases, or proprietary software for data tracking.
Inventory Control: Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS), cycle counting, and inventory logistics.
Forklift Operation: Certification and safe operation of forklifts and other material handling equipment.
Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to perform basic equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
Knowledge of Agronomy: Foundational understanding of crop cycles, plant genetics, and farming practices.
Safety Protocol Adherence: Strong understanding of workplace safety, hazard communication, and proper use of PPE.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all tasks, from data entry to sample handling, to prevent errors.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues with equipment or processes and find effective solutions.
Adaptability: Flexible to work in various environments (lab, plant, field) and manage changing priorities and seasonal demands.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Works effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and researchers to achieve common goals.
Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, self-motivated, and willing to work extended hours during peak seasons like planting and harvest.
Time Management: Ability to organize and prioritize a demanding workload to meet tight deadlines.
Communication: Clearly and concisely communicates information, asks clarifying questions, and listens effectively.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Agronomy or Crop Science
Horticulture
Biology
Agricultural Business or Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of relevant experience.

Preferred: Prior experience in an agricultural setting, seed production facility, manufacturing environment, or research laboratory is highly advantageous. A farm background is often considered valuable experience.