Professional Career Opportunities - Job Title Details

Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1 (Seed), G-13

Occupation Group

Natural and Physical Sciences

Salary Information

Starting Salary

$46,529

Career Ladder Information

Salary Information for Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1 Seed
Title Grade Hiring Rate/yr Job Rate/yr
Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1 Seed 13 $49,363 $63,169
Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 2 Seed 14 $52,198 $66,634
Food Laboratory Specialist 1 Seed 18 $65,001 $82,656

All salary grades for trainees titles are non-statutory (NS) equated to the salary grade identified. These grade equations apply to the starting salaries in their respective salary schedule for the traineeship levels.

Job Description

Food Laboratory Specialists use knowledge of chemistry, microbiology and other sciences to conduct analytical testing in support of food safety and security, agricultural and consumer interests in New York State. These positions use a variety of laboratory techniques to study, test and analyze specific health hazards or accuracy of labeling of foods, beverages, livestock feed, pet food and agricultural commodities.

A Food Laboratory Specialist 1 (Seed) conducts germination and purity testing on seed samples and prepares summaries and reports of analysis.

Trainees will receive a combination of structured training, on-the-job training, and/or practical job performance to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to function at the full performance level.

Agencies with this Title

Minimum Qualifications

You must meet the requirements below to qualify for this title.

A bachelor's or higher degree in agriculture, animal science, biochemistry, biology, botany, crop science, ecology, ecosystem management, environmental biology, environmental studies, forest science, forestry, genetics, horticulture, microbiology, molecular biology, natural resources, plant science, seed science, seed technology, urban forestry, veterinary science, wildlife management, zoology

Advanced Placement

If chosen, you may, at the agency's discretion, be appointed to a higher level. You must inform the agency of any additional qualifications at your interview.

View Additional Qualifications

For Trainee 2 you must also have One of professional experience in a seed laboratory; OR

For the Full Performance Level you must also have:

Either 1. Two years of professional experience in a seed laboratory; OR

2. Designated as a Certified Seed Analyst (CSA), Certified Seed Analyst-Germination (CSA-G), Certified Seed Analyst-Purity (CSA-P), as a Certified Viability Technologist (CVT), as a Certified Purity Technologist (CPT), or as a Registered Seed Technologist (RST).

How to Apply

The November 2022 PCO Examination is closed, applications are no longer being accepted