Job Purpose
The Seed Analyst /Inspector will be responsible for seed certification, seed testing, phytosanitary inspection, regulatory seed inspection and official seed inspection. Ensures that the laboratory meets quality and customer expectations in a timely and effective manner while in compliance with corporate quality, environmental, Health & Safety requirements. overseeing quality phytosanitary and certification field inspections, drawing official samples while enforcing state regulations and maintaining positive relations with stakeholders.
Summary of Key Responsibilities;
- Conduct Inspections for crop genetic purity, pests, diseases, noxious weed contamination, and confirmation of truthful and lawful labelling of the marketed seed crop.
- Inspectors will inspect combined acres of seed crops including beans, clover, corn and native grasses, peas, rapeseed and numerous other small-seeded vegetables.
- Ensure that all Seed Growers have valid contracts and ensure compliance.
- Prepare samples for testing, planting, and evaluating for areas trained and accredited for
- Directly supervise Seed Analyst Trainees and Lab Technicians
- Certify crops in the field, conduct phytosanitary inspections for specified diseases, may inspect conditioning plants, and conduct seed control inspections according to Government seed production laws.
- Capture field observations online via a mobile device to create reports.
- Complete assigned duties during inclement weather including but not limited to summer heat, rain, and wind.
- Keep abreast of any developments in seed production and legislation and advise seed growers accordingly.
- Make numerous contacts with seed industry stakeholders and must follow established ethical practices to promote good public relations.
- Ensures that all staff under their supervision or operating in their work areas, are aware of the occupational health and safety risks of the area and are using personal protective equipment as necessary.
- Take action to prevent a nonconformance from reaching a client.
- Identify and report quality problems in processes to the Quality System.
- Control further processing until the problem is corrected.
- Recommend or provide solutions to non-conformances
- Manage relations with Ministry of Agriculture Inspectors / Officials
Required Skills and Attributes
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
- A high level of accuracy is required, with special attention to details
- Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills (verbal and written).
- Ability to read and comprehend labels and instructions.
- Must be a dependable and reliable individual
- Team Player
- Good Listener
- Flexible
- Sober and Open Minded
- Excellent time management skills
- Excellent Problem Solving Skills
- Experience with online data entry.
Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced Diploma or Degree in Agriculture / Agri-Business Management or related field
- Must have at least a minimum of 4-5 in Seed Inspection and Analysis in the field
- Must have a Valid Seed Inspectors’ License (this is a must)
- Must have a vast knowledge of seed certification regulations, seed law enforcement standards, familiarity with diseases, and weeds found in crops.
- Experience to navigate a GPS and/or atlas will be a plus
- Ability to follow instructions independently, with little or no supervision.
- Must be conversant with the Zambian Geographical and Climatic Conditions
- Experience in agriculture and familiarity with processing, marketing and testing of agricultural commodities will be an added advantage
- Must be Conversant with the Zambian Major Local Languages
- Must be ready to travel at short notice
- Valid Manual Vehicle Driver’s License
Note that, all communications will be kept in the strictest of confidence. If you do not receive communication within 21 days of the closing date of the advert, please consider your application unsuccessful.
DO NOT SEND CERTIFICATES AT THIS STAGE
