Working Title: Agricultural Chemical AdvisorJob Class: Ag Advisor - Ag ChemicalsAgency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 03/21/2024.
Date Posted : 03/15/2024
Closing Date : 04/04/2024
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Division/Unit : Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division / Facility Management Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes (up to 35%)
Salary Range: $26.64 - $39.06 / hourly; $55,624 - $81,557 / annually
Job Class Option : Agricultural Chemicals
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Telework Eligible : Yes
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.This position will be located in one of the following agency offices: St. Paul, Glenwood, Fergus Falls, Mankato, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, St. Cloud, Preston, Staples or Lamberton and may have the option to telework.This position will conduct inspections and assist in issuing permits regarding anhydrous ammonia storage, handling, use, to ensure compliance with fertilizer laws. This position exists to provide knowledge and assistance for the Waste Pesticide Collection Program and Empty Pesticide Container Recycling program activities; to coordinate MDA sponsored collections; ensure accuracy of program databases and contractor and county cooperator invoice reviews, county billing and reimbursement functions; develop and perform education & training, including reduction initiatives; participate in select collections; assure safety standards; and to provide assistance and represent the Unit in other functions as assigned by the Unit Supervisor.Minimum QualificationsTo 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.Two (2) years of work experience in an engineering or hazardous waste industry or an agricultural chemical industry working with pesticides and fertilizers. NOTE: A bachelor’s in Engineering, Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Soil Science or a related field may substitute one (1) year of work experience.ANDKnowledge of:· The use, storage, handling or distribution and disposal of pesticides and fertilizers.· Federal and state solid and hazardous waste rules and pesticide rules.· DOT rules.· Chemical constituents of pesticides and safe chemical handling procedures.Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to establish good rapport with clientele and the pesticide community.Ability to plan effectively, work with limited supervision and help coordinate the efforts of a variety of people.Skills in Excel, Microsoft Office, Power Point, web applications, database management, GPS and environmental meters.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. The ability to conduct field work and training on consecutive days, with some overnight travel within and outside of Minnesota.Preferred QualificationsExperience applying, storing, or handling anhydrous ammonia in an agricultural setting.Experience interpretating construction plans and critically thinking to determine compliance with industry standards, rules and statutes.Experience applying, using, testing lime materials for soil amendments.Experience working with disposal of hazardous materials, including, and not limited to waste pesticides.Experience working at an agricultural chemical facility, horticulture, household hazardous waste facility or similar disciple as an employee, applicator, supervisor, or manager.Knowledge of agricultural chemical statutes, regulations, and rules.Knowledge of investigation protocols, evidence collection, sampling procedures and enforcement procedures.Physical RequirementsThe incumbent needs physical dexterity that permits standing, kneeling, bending and stretching, and climbing up and down steps or ladders, lifting up to 30 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 incumbent needs to travel overnight on an occasional basis and must drive a vehicle for an extended period. The position may encounter dangerous equipment and work conditions and must take precautions to protect themselves from injury. The position will work at times near 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 confined space entry.Additional RequirementsA 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 Checkc. Driver’s License Checkd. Conflict of Interest ReviewThe 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 EMPLOYERMinnesota 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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.