Seed Analyst

Working Title: Seed Analyst

Job Class: Seed Analyst

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 97273
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 09/28/2026
• Closing Date: 10/12/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Laboratory Services Division / Plant Analysis Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $21.73 - $30.20 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - AFSCME Technical
• Work Area: Plant Analysis Unit
• End Date: 06/15/2026
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No
  
  

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This is a temporary position anticipated to last six (6) months.

This position will assist the Plant and Seed Analysis Unit during a seasonal high volume of seed samples. The main duties include providing support in purity, noxious and germination analysis of agricultural, lawn, tree, vegetable and flower seeds.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

High School Diploma

Six (6) months laboratory experience working with seeds, plants, agriculture, environmental or molecular biology.

Excellent time management skills.

The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Plant Biology, Botany or related area or coursework in Plant biology or Botany.

Experience with seed analysis.

Familiarity and knowledge of seed or seedling structure.

Experience with ELISA testing, Molecular Biology or Plant Disease work.

Working knowledge of International Standard of organization (ISO) 17025, “General Requirements for Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories”.

Physical Requirements

This position exists in an analytical laboratory. As such, all potential safety hazards associated with this type of environment are assumed to be present. Hazards such as chemical exposure, hot surfaces, compressed gases and mechanical hazards exist in this section. This position must be comfortable working around these hazards and have sufficient knowledge to recognize and prevent harm to themselves or others. This position must be able to function in this environment and must be comfortable wearing personal protective gear.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
  
  

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Diandra Viner at diandra.viner@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our Three General Areas Of Responsibility Include

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.
  
  

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.