1

Seed Inspector Jobs in Salem, IL (NOW HIRING)

Support daily seed processing activities to achieve production and throughput goals. * Perform routine equipment inspections, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance activities. * Collect and ...

Seed Inspector information

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 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 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.

How to become a seed inspector?

To become a seed inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should gain knowledge of seed testing and certification processes. Relevant skills include attention to detail and familiarity with seed testing tools, and some positions may require certification from agricultural or seed industry authorities. Experience in agriculture or plant science can also be beneficial.
Infographic showing various Seed Inspector job openings in Salem, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Seasonal Soy Bean Production Specialist

Actalent

Centralia, IL

$20/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Agriculture Specialist

Job Description

The Agriculture Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the seed production facility during peak harvest and seed processing season. The position requires operating and monitoring seed cleaning, treatment, packaging, and shipping processes to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards. This is a hands-on role within a warehouse environment, demanding flexibility to accommodate a 24-hour production schedule, including day, evening, overnight, weekend, and overtime shifts as dictated by business needs.

Responsibilities

  • Operate and monitor seed cleaning, treatment, and packaging equipment using plant software systems.
  • Support daily seed processing activities to achieve production and throughput goals.
  • Perform routine equipment inspections, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance activities.
  • Collect and document quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) data.
  • Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
  • Assist with material handling, seed receiving, storage, shipping, and packaging activities.
  • Work collaboratively with production team members and site leadership to maintain efficient operations.
  • Maintain accurate production records and documentation.
  • Perform general warehouse duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Associate degree, technical certification, or vocational training preferred.
  • 1-2 years of experience in manufacturing, warehouse, agricultural, or production preferred.
  • Experience with SAP or other production tracking systems is advantageous.
  • Experience documenting production or quality data is beneficial.

Work Environment

The work takes place in ambient warehouse conditions, and the facility is not climate-controlled. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required, including safety glasses. Additional PPE, such as hearing or respiratory protection, may be needed depending on specific assignments. Long pants and sleeves are required in designated work areas. The role involves a seasonal assignment supporting harvest and seed processing operations, with a facility that operates on a 24-hour schedule during peak season. Availability for day, evening, and overnight shifts, as well as overtime, weekend, and holiday work, is required. Work schedules may change during the season based on operational needs, with initial assignments starting on a single shift before transitioning to multi-shift operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Centralia, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Centralia,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

Social media