This position is an agricultural chemical inspection regulatory position. The position exists to provide program coordination, inspection, and technical assistance, administrative and regulatory support to the PFMD’s Facility Management Unit for the chemigation permitting and inspection program. Additional job duties include inspection, administrative and program coordination in the anhydrous ammonia, fertilizer sampling, pesticide and fertilizer marketplace, Worker Protection Standard (WPS), routine fixed site ag chemical programs and responding to an investigation of fertilizer and pesticide incidents.
The position will administer various agricultural chemical state and federal laws, rules and regulations which are the responsibility of the Pesticide & Fertilizer Management Division. This includes, but is not limited to, investigating for violations, review coordination of inspections, creation of case summaries/recommendations for enforcement consideration, the issuance of non-financial penalty actions and the development, maintenance and implementation of regulatory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS), and outreach programs.
The position will participate in the agricultural chemical inspections and investigations, develop and implement inspection/investigation guidance and act as the MDA’s on site representative for regulated clientele and their representatives for the inspection types as detailed above. The position will also assist the Unit Supervisor as the MDA’s in assessing/determining the MDA’s field compliance inspection and investigation protocols for the inspections listed above. This includes providing assessments to individual field staff, informing the FMU of field staff performance issues, assessments of the implementation/effectiveness of new/controversial inspection/investigation programs and ongoing peer review of the inspection/investigation process to insure consistency of field work. The position will also directly train new field inspectors and provide additional training to existing inspectors on an as needed basis.
This position will also assist division staff as needed revising existing or creating new rules relating to MN Rules 1505, 1510, 1513, or other rules or MN Statutes as prescribed.
Minimum Qualifications
A BA in Engineering, Agronomy, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Entomology, Horticulture, Soil Science or a related field and two (2) years professional work experience in an agricultural chemical, horticulture or related industry.
OR
An Associates Degree in Engineering, Agronomy, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Entomology, Horticulture, Soil Science or a related field and four (4) years professional work experience in an agricultural chemical, horticulture or related industry.
AND
Knowledge of:
• The use, storage, handling, distribution and disposal of pesticides/fertilizers in irrigation systems.
• Applicable federal and state statutes and rules.
• Federal and state protocol for performing inspections, conducting investigations, obtaining and handling evidence including samples.
• Enforcement procedures.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Ability to maintain professional interactions with potentially hostile and uncooperative persons.
Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills.
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 BA in Engineering, Agronomy, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Entomology, Horticulture, Soil Science or a related field.
Four (4) or more years of professional work experience in an agricultural chemical, horticulture or related industry.
Experience in irrigation systems and anhydrous ammonia.
Physical Requirements
The incumbent needs physical dexterity that permits standing, kneeling, bending and stretching, and climbing up and down steps or ladders, lifting up to 25 pounds and traversing slippery/uneven surfaces. 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 his/her duties. Incumbent must be able to work with difficult individuals and must remove him/herself from situations when necessary for protection. The incumbent must perform routine office tasks such as sitting and viewing a computer.
The position may encounter dangerous equipment and work conditions and must take precautions to protect themselves from injury. The position will work at times in close proximity to agricultural chemicals and potential exposure is possible. The position must know and use personal protection principals, and safety protocols. The position must be able to wear all required safety equipment and follow SOPs for personal protection. All applicable State, Department and Program safety policies are required to be followed, including: use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe operation of motor vehicles and prohibited confmed space entry.
Additional Requirements
The incumbent needs to travel overnight on a routine basis and must drive a vehicle for an extended period of time.
Why Work For Us
This position is an opportunity to help protect and improve Minnesota’s environment and enhance public health. This position exists to perform regulatory inspections and program management in the anhydrous ammonia and chemigation permitting and inspection programs, and perform outreach and education to promote an understanding of how to comply with MDA requirements. Incident investigations are conducted to determine the cause of a release and corrective actions are completed to reduce or eliminate the risk of future releases. The work is challenging and requires persistence and creativity to meet inspection and permitting goals and provide the necessary outreach and education to gain compliance.
GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.
Apply at http://www.mn.gov/careers Job ID 30920.
If you have questions about the position, contact Jane Boerboom at jane.boerboom@state.mn.us or 651-201-6540.
