GA Seed Network Field Technician, State Botanical Garden at Dry Branch, GA

Posting Information

Posting Number: S14775P

Working Title: GA Seed Network Field Technician, State Botanical Garden Based at Dry Branch, GA

Department: PSO‑State Botanic Garden of GA

Posting Type: External

Employment Type: Employee (Full Time)

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Posting Date: 05/26/2026 |
Open Until Filled: Yes |
Proposed Starting Date: 06/22/2026

Location of Vacancy: Outside Athens (Forest Service National Seed Laboratory, Dry Branch, GA)

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible |
Retirement Plan: TRS |
Schedule: 40 hours a week (8am–5pm, Monday–Friday, with field‑work flexibility)

The Seeds of Success (SOS) program is a national native seed conservation initiative led by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in partnership with organizations across the United States. The program focuses on the collection, processing, testing, and long‑term conservation of genetically diverse native plant seeds for restoration, research, and conservation.

This position is located at the Forest Service National Seed Laboratory in Dry Branch, GA. The incumbent provides technical assistance to professional and technical personnel by performing a variety of recurring and moderately complex laboratory tests, processing and cleaning seed collections, and conducting a variety of tasks in support of the national seed lab’s quality‑management system.

Funding is secured for three years. The position’s term may be extended should additional revenue lines be secured.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of the appropriate biological science and skill in understanding instructions readily to accomplish a variety of technical duties common to seed testing laboratories.
• Knowledge of applicable data‑gathering techniques in order to select from available alternatives and to adapt them to meet specific situations without seriously affecting the validity and reliability of collected data.
• Ability to recognize various stages of seed and plant development, including cone and seed maturity, seedling growth, health, and pest‑related plant biology, including taxonomy, anatomy, ecology, and physiology, to ensure accurate seed analysis.
• Knowledge of technical terminology used in the seed laboratory, nursery, and seed extractory, and skill in applying such knowledge to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and operate equipment used to collect samples.
• Analytical ability to perform routine mathematical calculations and keep detailed and precise records used to prepare simple technical reports.
• Skill in using standard laboratory and field equipment, with dexterity to perform assigned duties.
• Basic knowledge of accepted safety practices to prevent injury and loss of life.

• Be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Work environment demands normal safety precautions and the use of protective equipment such as clothing, boots, gloves, goggles, dust mask, ear protection, and other gear.
• Exposure to chemicals or other products requiring MSDS guidelines and other instructions.
• Work will primarily be performed in a seed laboratory.
• General working conditions are favorable but may require working in a cooler or freezer where temperatures can be extreme (cold).
• Work may also be performed at a seed processing plant or nursery where rain, wind, or unfavorable temperature conditions may be encountered.
• Employees must exercise safe work practices in all workstations.
• Sitting at a laboratory workstation for prolonged periods often requires the use of magnification aids and microscopes.
• Manual dexterity and the ability to use tweezers and other laboratory instruments for detailed seed examination are required.
• Occasional field work at seed processing plants or nurseries will occur in an outdoor setting.
• Stamina to work for long periods evaluating seed and seedlings is required.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P‑Card? No

Is having a P‑Card an…