Certification Representative (FIELD RESEARCHER 3 RP)

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Field Researcher 3 independently performs professional-level activities in planning, conducting, and evaluating seed certification and quality assurance programs. This position oversees the field inspection program for agronomic and vegetable seed crops (such as sunflower, safflower, sorghum etc.). Acts as a technical liaison with applicants, growers, and industry stakeholders, providing expertise on certification standards, regulations, and compliance requirements. The position exercises independent judgment in reviewing field applications, conducting inspections, preparing technical reports, and recommending certification decisions in accordance CCIA, AOSCA, and OECD standards.

Apply By Date 02/03/2026 at 11:59pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelors degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science Crop Science, or related field
• minimum 3-5 years experience in california agriculture or seed production
• Knowledge of agronomy, crop science, or related agricultural field practices
• Experience conducting field inspections and evaluating crops for varietal purity, isolation, weeds, and disease.
• Demonstrated knowledge of seed certification processes and regulatory requirements (CCIA, AOSCA, OECD)

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with CCIA's operations, certification policies, and database systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with growers, breeders, and industry representatives
• Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple inspections and reports
• Ability to travel and work independently in field environments

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Field applications and certification inspections:
• 20% - Certification technical committee
• 15% - Standards, policies, records
• 10% - Outreach, training, special projects
• 10% - Certification tags
• 5% - Grow-Outs

Department Overview

The CCIA is the official seed certifying agency in California as recognized by California Seed Law. In addition, the United States is a participant in the international seed certification scheme administered by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). USDA-AMS is the US designated authority & the CCIA is the only recognized certification agency in California under the OECD Seed Scheme. The CCIA Organic Certification Program is administered under the UDSA National Organic Certification Program provides an unbiased third-party approval process for organic certification that complies with the Federal Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and the USDA National Organic Program regulations including all current amendments such as the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule and the 2024 Mushrooms and Pet Food Standards. The Seed Sampler Accreditation Program promotes acceptable sampling procedures to improve seed lot quality estimations for appropriate labeling and enhanced uniformity and consistency of seed sampling regulated by the Federal Seed Act and State Seed Law.
CCIA has an annual operating budget of approximately $1.7M. These funds are generated from fees assessed on applications to grow certified seeds and pounds of certified seed. The CCIA certifies ~90,000 -150,000 acres per year in the state of California. CCIA is one of the three largest US Seed Certifying Agencies certifying an estimated 267,400,000 pounds of seed annually.

Department Specific Job Scope

The Field Researcher 3 serves as a key technical specialist within the California Crop Improvement Association (CCIA) Seed Certification Program, providing independent oversight of field inspections, crop eligibility evaluations, and certification compliance across multiple agronomic and vegetable crops. This position directly supports CCIA's mission as California's official seed certifying agency by ensuring field, varietal, and program standards are properly applied and documented in accordance with CCIA, AOSCA, USDA, CDFA, and OECD rules. The role has significant impact on program accuracy, regulatory compliance, and grower decision-making, and supports statewide certification activities across 90,000-150,000 acres annually. The Field Researcher 3 also contributes to program development by reviewing variety eligibility, participating in technical committees, guiding seasonal inspection staff, and representing CCIA in industry and agency interactions-ensuring consistency, integrity, and continued improvement of California's seed certification and quality assurance systems.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $63,900.00 - $112,100.00
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: FIELD RESEARCHER 3 RP
• UC Job Code: 005246
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: RP - Research and Public Service Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Never 0 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Never 0 Hours
• Twisting - Never 0 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Never 0 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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