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Seed Inspector Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

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Seed Inspector information

What challenges do seed inspectors face when ensuring seed quality and compliance?

Seed Inspectors often face the challenge of working with a wide variety of seed types, each with unique standards and testing protocols. Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements can be demanding, especially during peak planting seasons when sample volumes are high. Inspectors must also navigate variable field conditions, maintain accurate documentation, and communicate findings effectively with farmers, seed producers, and regulatory agencies. Attention to detail and up-to-date knowledge of current regulations are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Seed Inspector vs Seed Analyst?

AspectSeed InspectorSeed Analyst
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in seed testingTypically requires a degree in agriculture, biology, or related fields; certifications in seed testing are common
Work EnvironmentField inspections, seed production facilities, laboratoriesLaboratories, research centers, seed testing labs
Employer & Industry UsageSeed production companies, agricultural firms, government agenciesSeed testing laboratories, research institutions, agricultural companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in seed quality control and inspectionAnalyzing seed quality, testing, and research

Seed Inspectors focus on field inspections and ensuring seed lots meet quality standards, often working directly in the field. Seed Analysts primarily work in laboratories, conducting detailed seed testing and research. Both roles are essential in seed quality assurance but differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a seed inspector?

To thrive as a Seed Inspector, you need a solid understanding of seed biology, quality control procedures, and relevant agricultural regulations, often supported by a degree in agriculture or biology. Familiarity with laboratory analysis equipment, seed sampling techniques, and certification through seed inspection training programs is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the accurate assessment and certification of seed quality, which is crucial for crop success and regulatory compliance.

What is a seed inspector?

Seed Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring the quality and compliance of seeds used in agriculture. They inspect, sample, and test seeds to verify that they meet regulatory standards for purity, germination, and labeling. Their work helps prevent the spread of plant diseases and ensures that farmers receive high-quality seeds for planting. Seed Inspectors may work for government agencies, seed companies, or agricultural organizations and often travel to farms and seed processing facilities. Their role is crucial in maintaining agricultural productivity and supporting food security.

What are popular job titles related to Seed Inspector jobs in Des Moines, IA?

For Seed Inspector jobs in Des Moines, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Seed Inspector jobs in Des Moines, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Seed Inspector jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Seed Inspector jobs?

Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Seed Inspector job openings:

Seed Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seed Inspector job openings in Des Moines, IA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Regulated and Stewardship Specialist

Syngenta Group

Slater, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Company Description
About Syngenta
At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We're a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.
Job Description
At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta's Quality team is seeking a Regulated and Stewardship Specialist in Slater, IA.
The Regulated and Stewardship Specialist oversees quality and stewardship activities for nursery seed production and trialing teams within the North America (NA) region. This role focuses on the compliant handling of stewarded and regulated materials (including GM and GE traits) to ensure field compliance and quality assurance (QA) for effective pipeline delivery.
Working closely with Regulatory, Trialing, Operations, and Scientists, this role ensures strict adherence to Regulated and Stewarded guidelines across all operational stages, including seed movement, planting, harvesting, and processing. The role provides expert guidance and leadership to foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. Key responsibilities incorporate managing comprehensive quality systems-such as training, document management, audits, risk analysis, and incident response-while maintaining USDA inspection readiness to protect the company's license to operate.
Accountabilities
  • Lead and coordinate new processes, protocols, and site designs to incorporate regulatory, stewardship, and quality control requirements.
  • Lead and support MoC (Management of Change) process for regulated/stewarded process changes.
  • Coordinate and support implementation of QA (Quality Assurance) methods in NA Nurseries.
  • Provide and present Quality & Stewardship metrics to leaders.
  • Lead Quality & Stewardship monthly calls.
  • Lead critical investigations and RCA (Root Cause Analysis) for problems related to regulatory, stewardship, and quality.
  • Lead yearly Level 2 Regulated & Stewardship Audits & Level 1 assessments.
  • Regional SQC lead for North America Region - Seeds Development: Ensure SQC Strategy and Operation is in compliance with Global SQC standards:
    • Follow-up SQC results and actions taken to avoid GMI and maintain LTO.
  • Assist Trialing and Nursery operations with USDA inspections during preparation and execution.
  • Develop training resources for regulated and stewarded key processes within Trialing & Nursery Operations.
  • Develop and improve training tools and resources for all QMS regionally.
  • Ensure waste streams and destruction processes are followed.
  • Manage quality for Regulated and Stewarded trials, including:
    • Document Management
    • Nonconformity Management
    • PDCA
    • Audits
    • Risk Analysis
    • Incident Response
  • Support Operation teams to ensure regulated seed shipments meet compliance requirements.
  • Support Trait Assessment APHIS/NSVBM process review for compliance.
  • Support shipping and receiving of NSVBM (Non-Seed Viable Biological Materials including. insects, pathogens, nematodes, soil, plants) to meet compliance requirements.
  • Support ETS (Excellence Through Stewardship) best practices implementation.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in agriculture, biology or related field or 5+ years' experience in agricultural operations, preferably in Seed Development, Seed research, Seed Production or plant breeding environments.
  • Clear understanding of Quality Management and Stewardship guidelines and practices applicable to nursery seed production.
  • Knowledge of Regulated/Stewarded compliance guidelines is required.
  • Knowledge of Quality Management and Stewardship methods and systems and Reliance tool (Quality Management System tool).
  • Ideally working knowledge of Regulated/Stewarded Field Trials and RegOne (regulatory management system) tool.
  • Continuous Improvement mindset.
  • Ability to build relationships, influence and collaborate cross functionally.
  • Experience working with Regulated and Stewarded materials and strong interaction with Regulatory team is a plus.
  • All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Additional Information
What We Offer:
  • A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
  • Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
  • 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
  • Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI
Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
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