AGRICULTURE PROGRAM MGR

Description

"Serving consumers and agriculture by safeguarding the public, plants, animals and the environment through promotion, education and regulation."

The Idaho Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an Agriculture Program Manager, Field Services. The successful candidate may be based in any of the following cities: Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Burley, or Twin Falls.

This announcement will close May 23, 2024

Apply Today!

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and monitor the field services program goals, objectives and procedures and analyze their effectiveness in the assigned region. Field services includes case development standards, field staff guidance materials, field staff training materials, medical monitoring and respirator fit test requirements for all staff, and EPA credentialing.
• Conduct investigations of damage and alleged misuses and illegal applications of pesticides
• Collect evidence, practice quality assurance and ensure all physical evidence follows chain of custody
• May provide depositions and court testimony
• Evaluate and inspect professional, private and chemigation applicators; dealers; and manufacturers of pesticides for compliance with environmental laws, rules and standards
• Provide education, training, information, and outreach on pesticide use and chemigation practices; and promote public awareness of pesticide laws, regulations and standards
• Train and supervise Agriculture Investigators in assigned region and ensure all assigned staff are informed of and are following all Department policies
• Receive pesticide complaints, assign cases to the appropriate field staff members and assist the investigator with case development, in assigned region which may include Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Pocatello, or Burley
• Train assigned staff in collection and documentation of inspection information, in assigned region
• Assist the Administrator in developing budgets for field staff activities and ensure that assigned programs operate within allocated limits
• Coordinate and align activities with other programs, Program Specialists, and Program Managers
• Compile and analyze data to identify program needs and provide routine reports for assigned region
• Oversee Pesticide Disposal Program (PDP) collection events in assigned region
• Maintain medical monitoring, respirator requirements, and Pest Control Consultant Statewide licenses to allow for continued support of field activities and PDP collections
• Assist with the implementation of the goals and requirements of the EPA Cooperative Agreement for the Division including but not limited to assistance with the development of inspection goals and the quality assurance programs
• Obtain and maintain EPA FIFRA Inspector Credentials.
• A cell phone with an Idaho area code, furnished by the employee, is required for this position and is eligible for reimbursement under the Cell Phone Reimbursement policy
• Conduct other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: These qualifications are mandatory requirements.

• Some knowledge of management practices
• Must have a valid Driver’s License

Specialty Qualifications: These qualifications are mandatory requirements.

• Considerable knowledge of:

o Pesticide use, toxicity and modes of action.

o Principles of environmental contamination and risk assessment with emphasis on pesticides.

• Experience:

o Reviewing and interpreting pesticide labels and related laws.

o Disseminating information about the human health aspects of environmental hazards.

o Conducting exposure assessments.

o Analyzing tolerance setting procedures, risk-benefit evaluations, and risk assessments.

o Writing technical reports or letters.

Desirable Qualifications: While not mandatory, possessing these qualifications could positively impact your application.

• Good knowledge of:

o The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)

o Pesticide laws and associated rules

o Classification and application of agrichemicals and their effects on humans, animals, and the environment.

• Currently hold or previously held a current Professional Applicator's license with statewide consultant and research category
• Good knowledge of field sampling plan development and practices

BENEFITS:

BEST RETIREMENT AVAILABLE IN THE NATION

We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit.

OTHER EXCELLENT BENEFITS

• Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start
• 11 paid holidays a year
• Paid parental leave
• Multiple retirement savings plans, optional 401K, and optional 457
• Basic life insurance for employee and family (employee covered at one times annual salary; spouse covered at $10,000; child covered at $5,000)
• Ongoing training opportunities
• An opportunity for student loan forgiveness
  

EEO/ADA/Veteran's Preference

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities; auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Agriculture!

If you have questions,
please contact us at:
jobs@isda.idaho.gov or at (208) 332-8520