Working Title: Agricultural Chemical Specialist - Ag Specialist - Ag Chemicals

Job Class: Agricultural Specialist

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID : 78166

• Location : Minnesota Central Area

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 7/15/2024.

• Date Posted : 07/08/2024

• Closing Date : 08/06/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Division/Unit : Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division / Inspection Unit 1

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes (up to 50%)

• Salary Range: $25.29 - $36.71 / hourly; $52,805 - $76,650 / annually

• Job Class Option : Agricultural Chemicals

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position exists to conduct inspections, perform investigations and evaluate department case file investigations to determine violations and initiative appropriate field and office enforcement actions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Food Quality Protection Act (FPAQ), the Minnesota Pesticide and Fertilizer Control Laws, M.S. 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E and rules promulgated under both federal and state law; provide information and education to regulated clientele and the general public regarding the use, storage, handling, distribution and disposal of agricultural chemicals.

This position is a remote worker position which is defined as, an employee who, as a condition of their appointment, has their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, works permanently from that location, and does not have an agency permanent/principal work location. The remote worker position must be located within Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Renville, Swift, or Yellow Medicine County. Currently the MDA does not allow remote work locations outside of the State of Minnesota. For more information refer to HR/LR Policy #1447 Remote Worker Policy (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1447-remoteworker.pdf) .

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

One (1) year of work experience in an agricultural industry that includes pesticides/fertilizers or in an environmental program that includes compliance and enforcement of state and federal regulations. NOTE: A BS in Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Soil Science, or a related field may substitute one (1) year of work experience.

Ability to establish and cultivate relationships with regulated ag chemical clientele.

Good communication skills including the ability to manage difficult or stressful situations with a calm demeanor.

Effective time management skills to work independently and with a variety of people.

The ability to prioritize and shift duties when workload demands.

Experience with Microsoft Office products, databases, and software applications.

The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.

Preferred Qualifications

A Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Soil Science, or a related science.

More than one (1) year of work experience in an agricultural industry that includes pesticides/fertilizers or in an environmental program that includes compliance and enforcement of state and federal regulations.

Knowledge of state or federal pesticide and fertilizer regulations.

Certified Pesticide Applicator.

Certified Crop Advisor {CCA) and/or Certified Crop Consultant (CCC).

Experience in the cleanup of pesticide/fertilizer incidents.

Experience researching the use of pesticides and fertilizers in the rural environment.

Physical Requirements

Work conditions may be hazardous. Exposure to agricultural chemicals occurs on a frequent basis during inspections and investigations. Incumbent must wear all required safety equipment and follow MDA Standard Operating Procedures for personal protection. Incumbent must be able to walk long distances over uneven terrain and may be exposed to extremes of heat and cold in the performance of their duties. Incumbent may encounter dangerous equipment and work conditions and must use sufficient judgement to protect themselves from injury. Incumbent must possess a valid state drives license to operate State of Minnesota passenger vehicles and may not have been under suspension or revocation or have had a moving violation in the last five years.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

a. SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)

b. Employment Reference Check

c. Driver’s License Check

d. Conflict of Interest Review

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.