The Seed Quality Control Specialist ensures the quality, compliance, and inventory accuracy of Gowan’s seed products. This role involves updating germination data, maintaining organic certification, monitoring seed inventory, and collaborating with various teams to uphold quality standards
Key Responsibilities:
- Quality Control Responsibilities:
- Conduct and update germination tests, vigor assessments, and other seed quality evaluations.
- Ensure all seed lots meet internal and external quality standards.
- Maintain organic certification requirements by ensuring proper documentation, audits, and compliance with regulations.
- Keep detailed records of seed treatments, test results, and any corrective actions taken.
- Inventory Management
- Monitor seed inventory levels, ensuring accurate records and timely replenishment.
- Assist in tracking seed movement, storage conditions, and shelf-life monitoring.
- Work closely with production and warehouse teams to ensure proper seed handling and storage.
- Reporting & Documentation
- Update and maintain quality control records, including germination rates, purity tests, and seed health reports.
- Manage the inventory write-off policy ensuring poor quality germ is removed from inventory on a monthly basis.
- Prepare reports on quality trends, inventory status, and certification updates.
- Assist in regulatory reporting and audits for organic and conventional seed compliance.
- Collabroration and Process Improvement
- Work with sales, production, and distribution teams to ensure product quality meets customer expectations.
- Identify and implement improvements in quality control processes.
- Assist in training staff on seed quality protocols and best practices.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Seed Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Experience in seed quality testing, inventory management, and organic certification processes preferred.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Knowledge of seed industry regulations, organic certification requirements, and quality control methodologies.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and inventory management systems.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with JD Edwards
- Experience with seed testing protocols (germination, vigor, purity).
- Familiarity with organic certification bodies (e.g., USDA Organic, CCOF).
- Ability to analyze data and generate quality reports.
- Strong communication skills to collaborate across departments.
Working Conditions
- Some travel may be required for audits, field visits, or supplier coordination.
Top Skills
What We Do
Gowan Company is a Yuma, AZ-based, family-owned company that has evolved into a global player in the agricultural input industry. Over 50 years ago, Jon Jessen began his venture working in the fields alongside farmers to help them identify, and solve pest problems that threatened to compromise the health of their crops and their livelihood.
Today, the Gowan Group employs over 950 employees globally with entities in 11 countries including France, Italy, Spain, UK, Canada, and Mexico. The company’s products and services include crop protection products (insecticides, fungicides, etc.) as well as seeds and fertilizers. Contract formulation, manufacturing, and warehousing are also included in the comprehensive suite of products and services provided by Gowan. Based on recent sales growth over the past 5 years, Phillips McDougall has cited Gowan Company as one of the fastest growing agrochemical companies in the world.
Gowan employees are proud to be a part of this family-owned tribe, working together towards a common goal. Weekly “happy half hour” celebrations on Friday, monthly company luncheons, profit-sharing bonuses, excellent benefits, and many other perks make Gowan a truly great place to work.