Pesticide Sr. Ag Investigator

"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 Investigator Senior in the division of Agriculture Resources located in Twin Falls, Idaho. This position requires travel in the Magic Valley area. The incumbent will need to obtain a Professional Applicator's License with a Pesticide Consultant's License category and a Chemigation License category during the entry probationary period. Also must be able to do the following: work in inclement weather, negotiate rough terrain, stand for lengthy periods of time, and lift at least fifty (50) pounds.

A highly desirable candidate will be fluent in verbal and written English and Spanish

Example of Duties

Key Responsibilities:

· Conduct investigations of damage and alleged misuses and illegal applications of pesticides.

· Evaluate risk and determine extent of damage to humans, plants, animals and the environment due to chemical contamination.

· Collect evidence; practice quality assurance and ensure all physical evidence follows chain of custody.

· Review applicator records and analyze data to determine if applicators are in compliance with regulated chemical laws and recommendations.

· Prepare fact-finding reports to determine compliance with laws and rules.

· May provide depositions and court testimony.

· Enforce compliance through warning letters and letters of noncompliance.

· Recommend enforcement actions, citations and license suspensions.

· Evaluate and inspect professional and private applicators, dealers and manufacturers of pesticides for compliance with environmental laws, rules and standards.

· Evaluate and inspect irrigation systems used for chemigation to assure chemicals do not contaminate ground and surface water.

· Provide education, training, information and outreach on pesticide use and chemigation practices.

· Provide applicator re-certification training and testing.

· Evaluate, inspect and provide advice to agricultural producers and workers and pesticide applicators for compliance with the Worker Protection Standard.

· Monitor use of pesticides that endanger protected species.

· Promote public awareness and acceptance of pesticide laws, rules and standards.

· Provide chemical use/risk assessment information to public, growers, dealers and manufacturers involving chemigation, endangered species protection, worker protection, and water quality.

· Support the WPS, Water program, PDP program and all other Division programs.

· Provide routine reports & administrative documents as required.

· Carry out responsibilities outlined in Department’s Risk Management/Safety Policy.

· Conduct other duties as assigned.

· 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: This qualification is a mandatory requirement.

· Experience writing narrative reports.

· Typically gained by 12 months of experience preparing narrative reports such as business reports, investigative reports, research summaries, etc. This is a requirement for this position. A 'Yes' response must be supported in your resume.

Specialty Qualifications: These qualifications are mandatory requirements for this recruitment.

· Good knowledge of the use, hazards, and disposal of pesticides.

· Some knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to pesticides, hazardous materials, and/or environmental issues.

· Experience interviewing, preparing scientific papers, investigative reports and/or written statements.

· Good knowledge of computer operations and word processing software.

· With or without a reasonable accommodation, able to pass a baseline medical examination and be physically able to use a respirator for an extended period of time while handling pesticides or responding to emergency situations involving pesticides.

· This position requires a valid driver's license.

Supplemental Information

Desirable Qualifications: These qualifications are not required; however, if you have the related background it may increase your score.

· Ability to communicate (oral and/or written) using the Spanish language.

· A current Professional Applicator’s license with the Statewide Consultant category.

· Experience creating and conducting educational presentations.

· Some knowledge of investigative procedures for damage claims including developing evidence, establishing relationships, determining responsibilities, and conflicts of interest.

· Good knowledge of the classification and application of pesticides and fertilizers and the effects pesticides can have on humans, animals, and the environment; scientific research principles and techniques related to chemistry and biology; Integrated Pest Management (IPM), various agricultural crops and ornamental plants; causes of plant damage; and/or sampling protocols and techniques.

Temporary appointments from this announcement, serving at least one thousand forty (1,040) hours of continuous service, may be hired as an entrance probationary employee without further examination for the same classification and location as announced.

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Agriculture!

Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

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

BEST RETIREMENT AVAILABLE IN THE NATION

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

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

Benefits:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year.

Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions.

EEO/ADA/Veteran's Preference

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit 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.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request.

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

Agency

State of Idaho

Address

304 North 8th Street

Boise, Idaho, 83720