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Seed Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seed Production Associate

Windsor, CO · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Coordinate with growers, federal or state agencies, contractors, and LCS staff to get required inspections, seed testing, and phenotypic data required for Breeder seed. Implement LCS Quality ...

Lead QC Analyst

Salinas, CA · On-site

$23 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A. procedures and techniques for preparing and testing seed samples. • Manage and maintain seed sample retention. • Interpret and document test results. Oversees entry of test data results. • ...

Lead QC Analyst

Salinas, CA · On-site

$23 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A. procedures and techniques for preparing and testing seed samples. • Manage and maintain seed sample retention. • Interpret and document test results. Oversees entry of test data results. • ...

Quality Control Technician

Nampa, ID

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in seed testing processes that are conducted in accordance with Syngenta protocols and the accrediting agencies for each lab through verification and data integrity. * Support QC ...

New

Quality Control Technician

Nampa, ID

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in seed testing processes that are conducted in accordance with Syngenta protocols and the accrediting agencies for each lab through verification and data integrity. * Support QC ...

Quality Control Technician

Nampa, ID · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in seed testing processes that are conducted in accordance with Syngenta protocols and the accrediting agencies for each lab through verification and data integrity. * Support QC ...

Beet Seed Cleaning

Moorhead, MN · On-site

$23.98/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Beet Seed Processing Tech position provides quality control by checking samples. Entry Level ... Must be able to recertify health card and meet allDOT requirements including random drug testing.

Beet Seed Cleaning

Moorhead, MN · On-site

$23.98/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Beet Seed Processing Tech position provides quality control by checking samples. Entry Level ... Must be able to recertify health card and meet all DOT requirements including random drug testing.

Seed Handling Specialist

Grimes, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Coordinate the collection and submission of representative seed samples for phytosanitary testing, maintaining accurate labeling & documentation for lab analysis. * Perform inventory adjustments ...

Quality Lab Technician

Littlefield, TX

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Complete germination testing (warm & cool) * Analyze seed purity and perform accurate seed counts * Collect and organize product samples Requirements * High school diploma or GED * Degree in ...

Quality Lab Technician

Lubbock, TX

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Complete germination testing (warm & cool) * Analyze seed purity and perform accurate seed counts * Collect and organize product samples Requirements * High school diploma or GED * Degree in ...

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Seed Testing information

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How much do seed testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for seed testing in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a seed testing professional?

As a Seed Testing professional, your day often involves preparing and conducting various laboratory tests to assess seed quality, such as purity, germination, and vigor. You will document and analyze results, maintain laboratory equipment, and ensure all testing protocols meet industry or regulatory standards. Collaboration with agronomists, quality control specialists, and sometimes clients is common to interpret results or answer queries. Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple samples efficiently are key aspects of the daily workflow. This role is integral to ensuring the quality and reliability of seeds distributed to farmers and agricultural companies.

How to become a certified seed testing analyst?

To become a certified seed testing analyst, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in seed testing methods. Certification programs are offered by organizations such as the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) or state agencies, which often require passing written and practical exams to demonstrate proficiency in seed identification, purity, and germination testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the seed testing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Seed Testing, you need a solid understanding of seed biology, laboratory testing procedures, and data analysis, typically backed by a degree in agriculture, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with specialized lab equipment such as germination chambers, moisture analyzers, and adherence to protocols from organizations like ISTA or AOSA is important. Strong attention to detail, organizational abilities, and effective teamwork skills will set you apart in a laboratory setting. These skills ensure accurate and efficient testing results, maintain quality standards, and support agricultural productivity.

What is a seed testing?

A Seed Testing job involves analyzing the quality and viability of seeds to ensure they meet regulatory and industry standards. Professionals in this role conduct tests for germination rates, purity, moisture content, and disease presence. They work in laboratories, research centers, or agricultural organizations to support farmers and seed producers. Their work helps improve crop yields and maintain seed quality for sustainable agriculture.

What are the most commonly searched types of Seed Testing jobs? The most popular types of Seed Testing jobs are:
What states have the most Seed Testing jobs? States with the most job openings for Seed Testing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Seed Testing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,835 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Seed Quality Testing Lead

Ball Horticultural Company

West Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Ball Horticultural Company is seeking an experienced Seed or Plant Physiologist to lead the development, validation, and continuous improvement of seed testing methodologies and performance diagnostics across our global operations.
As the technical authority on seed quality evaluation, this role combines seed physiology, advanced testing technologies, and data-driven analytics to improve seed performance and grower success. The successful candidate will investigate seed performance challenges, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and develop next-generation testing systems that enhance prediction of field and greenhouse performance.
This position partners closely with Research, Quality, Operations, Seed Technology, Product Management, Sales, and key customers to translate scientific insights into measurable product and process improvements.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Seed Testing Method Development & Innovation
  • Lead the design, validation, and continuous improvement of seed testing methodologies, including germination, purity, vigor, stress tolerance, emergence, and predictive performance assays.
  • Evaluate and implement emerging technologies such as AI-driven imaging, automation, digital phenotyping, and advanced analytics.
  • Develop global standards for testing protocols, interpretation of results, and reproducibility across locations.
  • Ensure testing methodologies align with Ball's quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Partner with key customers and external stakeholders to validate methodologies and performance outcomes.

Global Seed Testing Leadership
  • Provide technical oversight for seed testing operations across Ball's global testing network.
  • Ensure facilities, equipment, and capabilities support consistent and reliable execution of testing protocols.
  • Review, improve, and maintain testing procedures, documentation, and standard operating procedures.
  • Train and develop technical staff on best practices in seed evaluation, growing culture, scouting, and identification of abnormal or inconsistent performance.

Internal Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Build strong partnerships with Product Management, Field Technical Teams, and strategic customers.
  • Translate customer feedback and field observations into actionable testing improvements and product enhancements.
  • Collaborate closely with Seed Technology, Pathology, Diagnostics, Production Research, and Operations teams.
  • Support data-driven decision-making and the adoption of new technologies in delivering cross-functional project goals.

Quality Claims & Technical Support
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in evaluating and resolving seed quality claims.
  • Support Sales, Customer Service, and Technical teams by diagnosing issues, communicating findings, and recommending solutions that improve customer success.
  • Establish feedback systems that capture real-world performance data and incorporate findings into product and process improvements.
  • Coordinate targeted research projects to address emerging performance challenges and support new product development.

Data Analytics & Predictive Performance Modeling
  • Monitor and evaluate commercial seed inventory quality and performance trends.
  • Utilize predictive analytics to identify anomalies, assess risk, and guide decision-making regarding lot quality and release.
  • Develop tools and processes that improve forecasting of seed performance under commercial growing conditions.
  • Advance the integration of automated data collection, digital evaluation systems, and performance analytics across the seed testing platform.

Requirements
Education
  • Ph.D. or M.S. in Seed Science, Seed Physiology, Plant Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, or a closely related discipline.
  • Candidates with a Plant Pathology background should possess significant seed quality, seed health, or seed physiology experience.
  • Applied research experience in seed quality, seed enhancement technologies, post-harvest handling, or seed performance evaluation is strongly preferred.

Experience
  • 8-15+ years of progressive experience in seed physiology, seed technology, seed quality research, or related scientific disciplines.
  • Demonstrated success developing, validating, and interpreting seed testing methodologies and performance assessments.
  • Proven experience improving seed germination, vigor, emergence, and stand establishment through scientific investigation and applied research.
  • Experience translating research findings into operational improvements, quality systems, and commercial outcomes.
  • Experience with horticultural crops, vegetable seeds, ornamental crops, or other high-value seed systems is strongly preferred.
  • Experience working within cross-functional environments, partnering with research, production, quality, operations, and commercial teams.

Technical Expertise
  • Deep understanding of:
  • Seed germination physiology, dormancy, and vigor assessment
  • Seed aging, stress physiology, and emergence biology
  • Seed quality evaluation and predictive performance testing
  • Hands-on experience with:
  • Seed testing systems, protocols, and laboratory operations
  • Seed enhancement technologies, including priming, coating, pelleting, and related treatments
  • Experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of complex biological datasets
  • Preferred experience with advanced technologies, including:
  • Digital imaging systems (RGB, multispectral, hyperspectral, and machine vision)
  • Automated testing platforms and digital phenotyping tools
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications for seed quality evaluation and performance prediction
  • Data analytics and predictive modeling tools

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, and use hands/fingers for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments.
  • Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including heat and humidity.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10-15% of the time.

Salary Range: $90K-$110K
Our promise to you:
Ball is a global leader in horticulture: we develop, produce, and sell plants around the world. Our vision is to color the world through our customers. We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable.?
In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:?
  • Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
  • 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
  • Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
  • Tuition assistance
  • An onsite subsidized café overlooking 30 acres of renowned display gardens and ??????
  • restored natural areas
  • Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs