Job Description

STRUCTURE PEST CONTROL SERVICE PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Salary Information: $4,100 - $4,250.00/MO. - B19

State Classification: Program Specialist III - 1572

FLSA Status: Exempt

Posting Number: 24-68360-5R

Location: Austin

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Agriculture & Consumer Protection Division administers consumer protection programs which includes overseeing items like grocery store scales, egg quality, nursery products, licensing and training pesticide applicators, worker protection and registering pesticides for sale. TDA's consumer protection efforts promote success, unity and prosperity for the people of Texas.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Structure Pest Control Service Program Specialist will perform complex consultative and technical assistance work for the Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Agriculture and Consumer Protection (ACP) Division. Perform compliance work to ensure the monitoring and appropriateness of pesticide use throughout the state of Texas in accordance with statutory requirements. You will provide technical assistance to TDA employees, other state and federal agencies, advisory committees and private sources concerning structural pest control practices and related scientific areas. You will research and develop educational and training materials for the Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS) to provide safety information and training to persons engaged in the business of structural pest control. You will work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Review incident reports, complaint files and inspection results using the Bringing Resource Integration & Data Together for Greater Efficiency (BRIDGE) tool for accuracy and completeness and forward to TDA Enforcement staff when appropriate.

Serve as a point of contact to constituents and assist with questions on how to qualify to take exams, the process for determining eligibility to take exams and other exam duties required for the program.

Evaluate technician training courses and continuing education courses submitted for re-certification sponsorship or continuing education. Assist in the development or revision of examinations for SPCS licensing categories and review and approve the materials with input from technical experts.

Provide complex technical expertise and serve as a liaison to the industry in incorporating established standards of structural pest control. Develop/prepare materials to train/educate and assist with training structural pest control applicators, technicians, and apprentices on relevant state and federal laws and regulations.

Assist in developing and implementing public education/information programs involving structural pest control techniques in conjunction with other state and federal agencies. Develop manuals and materials to train/educate and assist with training the public on structural pest control laws and regulations.

Attend SPC Advisory Committee meetings, record minutes and/or perform any other duties related to the administration of the meetings.

Participate in the planning, development, implementation, and training of structural pest control compliance and monitoring plans including risk-based inspections; and recommend and coordinate activities to enhance program efficiency and effectiveness to assure compliance of businesses involved in structural pest control.

Prepare and make presentations to TDA staff, the pest control industry and the public on pesticide use and structural pest control laws and regulations.

Prepare administrative reports designed to analyze program effectiveness in attaining goals and objectives.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.



Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

Bachelor's Degree. One year of work experience related to the primary duties may substitute for one year of college.)

Two (2) years work experience in a technical program related to agriculture, consumer protection or environmental protection OR experience conducting inspections for TDA.

Experience associated with pest management, pesticide management or integrated pest management.

Work experience developing/preparing training/educational materials, policies and procedures or experience in training, teaching, or presenting information in a group setting.

Educational Substitution Clause: A Master's degree in a Biological Science field may substitute for two (2) years of work experience.

Educational Substitution Clause: A Bachelors in Biological Science field may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

PREFER

Bilingual speaking and writing ability in both English and Spanish.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of integrated pest management practices as it impacts structural pest/diseases and of pesticide state and federal laws and regulations and their impact on the structural pest industry and Texas school districts.

Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; and the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to train others on state and federal pesticide and pest control laws and regulations; to exercise sound judgment; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, occasionally overnight; working alternate/extended work schedules which may include evenings and weekends and/or alternate locations; and working in the field for extended periods of time and enduring adverse conditions, as needed. May involve travel (up to 30%), occasionally overnight.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

ü Retirement Plan

ü Paid Group Health & Basic Life Insurance for employees

ü Paid Holidays

ü Paid Vacation Leave

ü Paid Sick Leave

ü Longevity Pay

ü Dental

ü Vision

ü Dependent Optional Life Insurance

ü Voluntary AD&D Insurance

ü Dependent Health & Life Insurance

ü Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

Only candidates selected for a skills exercise/interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

*A valid government-issued driver's license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver's license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the military and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor's Office at Program Management MOS Codes.