Pesticide Registration and Management Supervisor - Agricultural Unit Supervisor

Job Details

Working Title: Pesticide Registration & Management Supervisor
Job Class: Agricultural Unit Supervisor
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 80398
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• 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 09/27/2024.
• Date Posted: 09/21/2024
• Closing Date: 10/07/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division / Pesticide Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $36.10 - $52.26 / hourly; $75,376 - $109,118 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association (MMA)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : 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.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for regulatory and non-regulatory activities related to registration, use, and clientele relationship management for pesticides, fertilizers, and soil and plant amendments. These activities include managing the risks and benefits of pesticide use, including human health and environmental impacts. The position will provide technical input into Pesticide Management Plan and supervision pesticide registration, fertilizer licensing, specialty fertilizer and soil and plant amendment registration activities and future programs requiring a balance of science, policy, and public input. This position exists to plan, design, organize and develop direction for the Pesticide Management Unit and PFMD pesticide, fertilizer licensing and registration programs, and to supervise unit staff so that: 1) agricultural and non-agricultural pesticides are reviewed, registered, and used in a manner that will prevent unreasonable adverse effects on human health and the environment and as defined and directed by state and federal laws; 2) unit activities are conducted in an efficient and effective manner; 3) pesticide management unit staff are well supervised; and, 4) all unit activities are conducted in accordance with state and MDA guidance and requirements, and within MDA and PFMD management instructions.

Qualifications

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.

Four (4) years professional or post graduate experience as a state regulator, agricultural scientist or environmental scientist or closely related position, working with pesticides or fertilizers. NOTE: A Bachelors in an Agricultural or Environmental Sciences field such as: Weed Science, Agronomy, Soils, Crop Soil and Pest Management, Applied Plant Science, Environmental policy or closely related field may substitute one (1) year of work experience.

Significant experience with agricultural regulatory issues and work.

Excellent oral and written communication skills suitable for direct communications with both farmers and regulated audiences.

Extensive and detailed knowledge of pesticide labeling and use.

Extensive knowledge of Minnesota agricultural and environmental issues and related state and federal law.

Good organizational, leadership and problem solving skills.

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

Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience with ensuring FIFRA requirements and state law requirements are met with pesticides.

A Bachelor's degree or higher in an Agricultural or Environmental Sciences field such as: Weed Science, Agronomy, Soils, Crop Soil and Pest Management, Applied Plant Science, Environmental policy or closely related field;

Technical knowledge in pesticide product regulation and registration, fertilizer product regulation and registration and pesticide and fertilizer product use.

Direct experience, including farming experience, or significant training in the use and management of pesticides in an agricultural setting;

Supervisory or lead worker experience directing the work of at least three professional employees; and,

Three (3) years' experience managing projects and budgets.

Physical Requirements

Most of the work for this position will be performed in indoor conditions.

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.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Trisha Leaf at trisha.leaf@state.mn.us

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Tracy Ohmann at tracy.ohmann@state.mn.us .

About Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans' quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.