Job Title: Regulatory Officer I
Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs or Plant Industries
Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston, West Virginia
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Nature of Work:
Under general supervision, the Regulatory Officer I – PI is responsible for monitoring plant materials and forests for pests; and inspecting timber products and issuing certificates for interstate and international shipment.
Examples of Work:
- Survey nurseries and nursery dealers throughout the state to periodically check on the presence of plant pests.
- Solicit the registration of nurseries and nursery dealers.
- Perform licensing and inspection duties associated with the WVDA Industrial Hemp program.
- Perform inspections and prepare state and federal phytosanitary certificates for interstate and international export certification of plants and timber products.
- Assist in the preparation and distribution of the West Virginia Directory of Certified Nurseries and Nursery Dealers.
- Assist with or enforce quarantines established on various plant pests and execute embargoes on nursery stock not in compliance with state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
- Inspect nursery stock transported into the state for distribution for possible infestation of plant pests.
- Act as a consultant to the public, as needed, on plant pests and related matters.
- Assist with other plant pest surveys, as needed.
- Assist with inspections for plants under federal post-entry quarantine.
- Assist with inspections at vehicle weigh stations for the purpose of investigating possible violations of the federal and state gypsy moth quarantines.
- Represent the Department at meetings of the West Virginia Nurserymen's Association, West Virginia Christmas Tree Growers' Association, the Eastern Chapter of the Horticultural Inspection Society, and other Program-related meetings, as necessary.
- May contribute articles and news releases on program and related matters for dissemination, as needed.
- Other duties as assigned
Working Conditions:
Frequently bend, squat, stand, sit, climb, kneel, reach above shoulder level, push/pull and/or walk for extended period, and operate motorized equipment. Must be able to lift/carry 50 pounds. Work requires being outdoors in extreme weather including heat, cold, rain and snow. Traversing rough terrain. Required personal protective equipment use is contingent of the area of assignment. Approximately 85% of work time is spent in travel within assigned territory and may include overnight stay.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to area of assignment.
- Knowledge of state government organization, programs and functions.
- Knowledge of proper investigative techniques and procedures related to area of assignment.
- Proficient use of multiple computer applications including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Excellent math skills.
- Ability to comprehend and apply complex laws and regulations in diverse situations.
- Ability to develop and deliver public presentations to industry, schools, professional and community meetings to educate and convey information on issues of interest.
- Ability to reason and analyze complex situations.
- Ability to organize, file, and maintain a good record keeping system.
- Ability to pay close attention to surroundings to detect possible violations of the laws and regulations.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors' degree in a related field pertinent to the program's activities.
Experience: One year of full-time paid employment in a field closely related to the areas of assignment.
Additional Requirements:
- Valid driver's license is required.
- Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
- Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
- Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.
This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.