Description Job Description Do you have an interest in agricultural botany or agronomy? If so, we are looking for an individual with excellent attention to detail as well as an aptitude for data collection to join our Team. Based in the Seeds, Varieties & Trial Support branch at SASA, which is a division of the Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate, your primary role will be to work within the Seeds, Varieties & Trial Support team to assist with preparation of seed for laboratory and field work. This will include, using a range of chemical and visual methods and carrying out identity and purity assessments of control plots and crops entered for certification. A key element of the Technical Officer role is to be able to distinguish varietal impurities in both crops and control plots, therefore working to a high standard of accuracy and maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of cereal taxonomy will be essential. You will be expected to attend and pass several training courses including The Initial Crop Inspectors Training Course – Theory, Intensive Crop Inspectors Training Course and Examination, Grain Identification Course and Seed Samplers training course held at SASA. The work carried out may be in variable weather conditions therefore, an adaptable and flexible approach is required, especially during times of competing priorities, to ensure that blocks of work are completed when required This may involve assisting within other areas of SASA to ensure workloads and priorities are met. Responsibilities Responsibilities Carry out general duties such as preparation for sowing of seed lots entered in the certification scheme, and for training crop inspectors, preparing seed for testing and ensure seed is stored securely. Participate in the varietal identity and purity assessment of control plots and crops entered for certification. This will include harvesting material and prepare it for use on training courses in varietal taxonomy / identification. Checking information received in terms of validity, accuracy and completeness for crop inspection entries and crop inspection findings. Ability to interpret data returned to SASA on crop inspection cards. Participate in crop inspections and seed sampling / enforcement activities in support of the seed certification scheme. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the taxonomy of cereal varieties in order to carry out detailed botanical descriptive work. Regular use of the bespoke database systems for data input, retrieval and analysis of information required for certification, the quality assurance system and procurement and purchasing of products for the team. Qualifications Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills: Building and applying knowledge - gathering quality taxonomic data for identifying characteristics of plant varieties. Strong organisational skills - Ability to prioritise work and carry out tasks in a precise and accurate manner with minimal supervision. Experience: Experience of working outdoors preferably in an agricultural or horticultural setting, whilst ensuring accuracy, quality standards and deadlines are adhered to. Behaviours: Changing and Improving - Level 1 Working Together - Level 1 Delivering at Pace Level 1 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online before midnight 21 April 2025, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 750 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an Interview and Job Simulation Exercise. Assessments will take place in person and are scheduled for w/c 12 May 2025. Due to the nature of the Job Simulation Exercise, it will not be possible to accommodate request for reschedule outside of this week (12 – 16 May). About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, we offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. Due to the nature of the role, you will be required to be onsite at all times. If yo u have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.