Agricultural Environmental Specialist Manager

Job number: AES-50410834-3.21.24-KGB

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is an Equal Opportunity Employer and State as a Model Employer (SAME) to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.   
 
This position #50410834 is located in the Office of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Pesticide Division, in Baton Rouge, LA. 


 
*Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.*
 

To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

This agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.

All applicants selected for employment must submit to drug screening.
 
If you are contacted for an interview, please let us know at that time if you have a need a special accommodation for a disability.
 
For further information about this vacancy contact:
Kimberly Buckley
HR Supervisor 
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1001
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
kbuckley@ldaf.state.la.us

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry strictly prohibits workplace harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, national origin, military service, sickle cell trait, protected genetic information or other non-merit factor.  LDAF also strictly prohibits employment decisions based upon or influenced by such factors.       

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

A baccalaureate degree with at least twenty-four semester hours in forestry, an agricultural, biological, chemical, or environmental science, an engineering field, or any combination, plus four years of professional level experience in agronomy, entomology, horticulture, structural pest control, pesticide inspection or enforcement, plant pathology, chemistry, wetland resource management, cropland management work, forest management, conservation work, or inspection or enforcement for compliance with agricultural, environmental, food safety, or public health laws, rules or regulations. 

SUBSTITUTION: 

Experience in inspecting or enforcing for compliance with agricultural laws, rules or regulations will substitute for the specialized coursework on the basis of 12 semester hours for one year of experience.  

Experience in planning or implementing soil, water or wetland conservation practices in agricultural or wetland environments will substitute for the specialized coursework on the basis of 12 semester hours for one year of experience.

A master's degree in qualifying fields will substitute for one year of the required experience.

NOTE: Any college hours or degree must be from an accredited college or university.Function of Work:
To perform managerial work relative to agronomics and quarantine or pesticide and environmental programs.

OR

To manage statewide activities involved in assessment and management of environmental impact of agricultural operations on soil, water, air, and other related natural resources.

Level of Work:
Manager.

Supervision Received:
Broad direction from an unclassified Assistant Commissioner, unclassified Director, or Agricultural Environmental Specialist Administrative Coordinator.

Supervision Exercised:
Direct line over Agricultural Environmental Specialist Supervisor.

Location of Work:
Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences or Office of Soil and Water Conservation.

Job Distinctions:
Differs from Agricultural Environmental Specialist Supervisor by responsibility for supervision and management of all phases of work in a region in the Office of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences or by having statewide supervision over all phases of work in the Office of Soil and Water Conservation.Incumbent of this position serves in the Office of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry managing technical duties related to pesticide, horticulture and quarantine, seed, industrial hemp and agricultural chemistry programs for the AES Alexandria District. The position provides guidance to subordinate Agricultural Environmental Specialists. Direct supervision for this position is received from an unclassified Director with broad supervision received from unclassified Assistant Commissioner of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, unclassified Director/Assistant Director or AES Administrative Coordinator.

30% Manages the work load between pesticide, horticulture, seed, industrial hemp and agricultural chemistry programs for the Office of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for the Alexandria District. Requests the hiring of regulatory and seasonal personnel. Ensures that all personnel obtain the proper training and certification.

15% Performs and coordinates Agricultural Environmental Specialists in investigations of pesticide damage, misuse, and spills; structural pest control; horticultural and quarantine; seed, and industrial hemp. Assist subordinates in interpreting guidelines to ensure compliance of state and federal regulations.

10% Reviews/supervises all reports and documents submitted by the AES Supervisors and Inspectors.

5% Performs and supervises the inspections of pesticide dealers, aerial and ground applicators, crop consultants, private applicators, and structural pest control operators for proper certifications and licensing.

5% Reviews sample reports of fertilizer, seed, industrial hemp and pesticide samples for laboratory analysis for compliance with laws regulating sale and use of these products.

5% Serves as liaison between other State and Federal agencies in assisting the public to ensure state and federal laws are within regulation; such as EPA-Pesticide Investigations, USDA-Horticulture Investigations and Extension Service.

5% Advises and assists manufacturers, dealers, private and commercials applicators in interpreting laws and training for certification.

5% Attends and supervises pesticide certification and recertification meetings to ensure the proper material and training is presented. Reviews and implements new training materials to meet changes in regulations.

5% Issues and supervises the issuance of Stop-sale orders on substandard seed, industrial hemp, fertilizer and other agricultural and chemical products offered for sale.

5% Performs and manages the coordinating of certified seed field inspections for crops entered for certification to verify if crops are within the state seed rules and regulations.

5% Evaluates reports/documentation for possible LDAF Adjudicatory hearings and cases.

5% Maintains an inventory of all equipment issued to AES personnel and ensures the proper working condition of the equipment. Determines the need to replace used equipment or purchase new updated equipment. Maintains a report of vehicle fleet for AES personnel.

Other duties as may be assigned.

Functional Requirements:
Moderate lifting of 30 pounds with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
Reaching above shoulders
Climbing stairs and on occasion ladders
Sitting over long period of time at work station or vehicle
Considerable walking over irregular ground
Lifting tools, computer, or other items

Environmental Factors:  
Working outdoors in occasional excessive heat and cold
Exposure to grain dust, odors, chemicals, fertilizers and other job related materials
Required to wear appropriate safety protection and clothing