Our Ability Jobs

Working Title: Enforcement Specialist or Enforcement Advisor

Job Class: Ag Specialist - Ag Chemicals or Ag Advisor - Ag Chemicals

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID : 82380

• Location : Various

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 12/12/2024.

• Date Posted : 12/06/2024

• Closing Date : 01/06/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)

• Division/Unit : Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division / Enforcement Unit

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range Ag Specialist : $25.29 - $36.71 / hourly; $52,805 - $76,650 / annually

• Salary Range Ag Advisor : $27.84 - $40.82 / hourly; $58,130 - $85,232 / annually

• Job Class Option : Non-exempt

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

• FLSA Status:

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This announcement will be used to fill one position at either the Ag Specialist or Ag Advisor level, depending on the selected applicant’s qualifications. This position can be located in St. Paul, Rochester, Mankato or St. Cloud and may have the option to telework.

This position exists to provide assistance in the compliance and enforcement of Minnesota Pesticide and Fertilizer Laws and Rules adopted there under; Minnesota Statutes 18B, 18C, under authorities in Minn. Statute 18D, and to represent the Unit/Section in other regulatory functions.

Minimum Qualifications

To 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.

Ag Specialist

One (1) year of experience related to environmental legal work for government, or as a paralegal or legal assistant, or in an environmental program that includes compliance and enforcement of state and federal regulations, or in an industry that includes pesticides/fertilizer. NOTE: A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Soil Science, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

Excellent interpersonal and public relation skills. Incumbent must be able to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing with regulated clientele, local, state, and federal government personnel, department/division staff and other entities involved in position activities. Must have the ability to manage difficult or stressful situations with a calm demeanor.

Effective time management skills to work independently and with a variety of people.

The ability to prioritize and shift duties when workload demands.

Experience with Microsoft Office products, databases, and software applications.

The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Ag Advisor

Two (2) years of experience related to environmental legal work for government, or as a paralegal or legal assistant, or in an environmental program that includes compliance and enforcement of state and federal regulations, or in an industry that includes pesticides/fertilizer. NOTE: A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Soil Science, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

Excellent interpersonal and public relation skills. Incumbent must be able to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing with regulated clientele, local, state, and federal government personnel, department/division staff and other entities involved in position activities. Must have the ability to manage difficult or stressful situations with a calm demeanor.

Effective time management skills to work independently and with a variety of people.

The ability to prioritize and shift duties when workload demands.

Experience with Microsoft Office products, databases, and software applications.

The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Ag Specialist

More than one (1) year of experience related to environmental legal work for government or as a paralegal or legal assistant, or in an environmental program that includes compliance and enforcement of state and federal regulations or in an industry that includes pesticides/fertilizer.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Soil Science, or a related field.

Completion of a Legal Assistant Certification Program.

Professional experience with the court system, the court process, and the filing of court documents.

Professional experience in investigative procedures, problem solving techniques, and excellent verbal and written skills.

Knowledge of state or federal pesticide and fertilizer regulations.

Ag Advisor

More than two (2) years of experience related to environmental legal work for government or as a paralegal or legal assistant, or in an environmental program that includes compliance and enforcement of state and federal regulations or in an industry that includes pesticides/fertilizer.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Soil Science, or a related field.

Completion of a Legal Assistant Certification Program.

Professional experience with the court system, the court process, and the filing of court documents.

Professional experience in investigative procedures, problem solving techniques, and excellent verbal and written skills.

Knowledge of state or federal pesticide and fertilizer regulations.

Physical Requirements

The position must perform a variety of routine office tasks such as handle documents and files, move about the building for meetings, and sit at workstation for periods of time at computer or phone. The position will comply with all State, Department, division and program policies and guidelines applicable to a safe work environment. Exposure to agricultural chemicals may occur during while accompanying inspectors on inspections and investigations. Incumbent must wear all required safety equipment and follow standard operating procedures for personal protection. Incumbent must use sufficient judgement to protect himself/herself from injury. Incumbent must fallow department safety policies and practices. Incumbent must be able to work with difficult individuals and must remove him/herself from situations when necessary for protection.

Additional Requirements

A 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:

1. SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)

2. Employment Reference Check

3. Driver’s License Check

4. Conflict of Interest Review

The 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 EMPLOYER

Minnesota 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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.