Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Seed Lab Technician works in the Standard Seed Testing area, preparing and evaluating seed samples to support germination testing, starter plant growth, and analysis of yields and seed performance. This role supports over 400 different seed species, involves hands-on planting and evaluation work in a regulated laboratory environment, and contributes critical data used by seed analysts and agricultural producers.

Responsibilities

• Review testing plans and seedling layouts to create accurate lab-scale growing plots for a wide range of seed species.
• Prepare seeds, soil, and plant growth media for planting, ensuring correct labeling and handling of all samples.
• Perform large seed planting using vacuum heads onto towels or other media, including scanning seed bags, following standard operating procedures, rolling towels, and placing seeds into incubator tubes in accordance with USDA seed testing procedures.
• Carry out small seed planting using planting heads or manual techniques, including the use of forceps for very small seeds, while following the same planting and documentation process used for large seeds.
• Germinate and plant seeds, then monitor growth at various stages to collect subjective and qualitative data on germination, yields, and growth performance.
• Evaluate large seed germination tests by assessing each seedling in high-volume tests (such as 400-seed evaluations), determining normal or abnormal germination, and recording findings accurately.
• Conduct small seed evaluations using the same criteria and processes as large seed evaluations, ensuring consistent assessment of germination quality and performance.
• Record and document all sample information and test results using both paper records and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to track samples and provide data to seed analysts and customers.
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory workspace, including cleaning glassware, washing and handling dishware, and following proper procedures when using chemicals.
• Monitor and maintain stock and chemical inventory to ensure that necessary supplies and reagents are available for ongoing testing.
• Follow detailed work instructions, standard operating procedures, and USDA-compliant seed testing methods to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Handle seeds and plant materials safely, using appropriate personal protective equipment when working with chemicals and cleaning solutions.
• Collaborate with trainers and team members during core hours and breaks to learn processes, maintain workflow, and support laboratory productivity.
• Participate in optional weekend and overtime shifts during peak seasons to help meet testing demand and support timely completion of seed evaluations.

Essential Skills

• Completion of a 2-year or 4-year degree in a technical discipline such as biology, agronomy, agriculture, or a related scientific field.
• Basic laboratory experience gained through coursework or previous work, including familiarity with general lab procedures, equipment, and safety practices.
• Ability to handle and prepare plant and seed samples accurately, including labeling, organizing, and tracking samples throughout the testing process.
• Strong attention to detail, supported by references, to ensure precise planting, evaluation, and documentation of seed performance data.
• Capability to follow written work instructions and standard operating procedures consistently in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Proficiency in reading and understanding English to interpret protocols, labels, and documentation requirements.
• Comfort with using laboratory tools such as pipettes, buffers, and other standard lab equipment in support of seed testing.
• Good manual dexterity for handling small seeds and seedlings, particularly when using forceps or other fine instruments.
• Ability to perform repetitive laboratory tasks with accuracy, including planting, evaluating, and recording data for large numbers of seeds.
• Commitment to maintaining cleanliness and organization in a laboratory setting, including proper handling of glassware and chemicals.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background or coursework in agronomy, plant biology, or agriculture that supports understanding of seed germination and plant growth.
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment or using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for sample tracking and data entry.
• Familiarity with USDA procedures for seed testing or other standardized agricultural testing protocols.
• Ability to work effectively in both standing and seated positions, transitioning between planting and evaluation tasks as needed.
• Comfort lifting seed containers weighing up to approximately 10–25 pounds and performing physical movements such as bending, twisting, and reaching during planting activities.
• Willingness to learn and apply qualitative and subjective evaluation methods for assessing seedling health and germination performance.
• Interest in gaining entry-level experience in agricultural testing and exposure to a variety of analytical methods without a long-term commitment requirement.
• Reliability in attendance and schedule adherence to support core hours and optional overtime or weekend shifts during peak testing seasons.

Work Environment

This role is based in a third-party agricultural testing laboratory that supports crop producers by evaluating seed yields and performance to promote successful growing seasons. The work takes place in a controlled-temperature lab environment that is generally comfortable, with occasional warmer days but without significant noise. The setting is distinctly laboratory-focused rather than a production floor, emphasizing careful testing, documentation, and regulated procedures. Seed planting work typically requires standing and moving around the lab to gather seeds and materials, while evaluation tasks can be performed seated at a workstation. The position involves lifting seed containers weighing up to approximately 10–25 pounds and requires the ability to bend, twist, reach, and handle small seedlings with good dexterity. Personal protective equipment is provided and used when handling chemicals and cleaning glassware or dishware. Core hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break and paid 15-minute breaks that are usually taken with a trainer. Some days may require working an additional hour, with advance notice when possible, and there are opportunities for overtime at an enhanced pay rate. From October through March, an optional weekend shift is available with an additional hourly premium and associated overtime opportunities. Between October and December, employees can participate in a bonus program tied to extra four-hour shifts worked. The laboratory maintains a casual dress code suitable for a clean, regulated lab environment, and offers paid time off and billable holidays as part of the assignment, along with the potential for redeployment or discussion of permanent hire as the assignment approaches five months.

This is a Permanent position based out of RIVER FALLS, WI.

The pay range for this position is $36400.00 - $36400.00/yr.

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.

Health, Vision, Dental, 401k Plans.

This is a fully onsite position in RIVER FALLS,WI.

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 without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

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

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall 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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.