Job Description

CROP AND PLANT INDUSTRY PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Salary Information: B19 - $3,950.00 - 4,250.00/MO.; B20 $4,250.00- $4,650.00/MO.

State Classification: Program Specialist III/IV - 1572/1573

FLSA Status: Exempt

Posting Number: 24-58189-1R

Location: Austin, TX

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/551/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture's key objectives are to promote production agriculture, consumer protection, economic development and healthy living.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Crop and Plant Industry Program Specialist will perform complex/highly complex analyticaland technical assistance work for the Agriculture & Consumer Protection Division with a focus on the Crop and Plant Industry Programs. You will focus on plant industry regulations and quarantine program work. You will assist staff/assist program management and staff in coordinating the planning, developing and implementation of assigned programs. Provide guidance to program staff, as well as provide technical assistance to governmental agencies, community organizations, and/or the general public to protect consumers and the plant industry by regulating agricultural products through nursery/floral licensing, phytosanitary inspection of plant products, and quarantine enforcement and pest monitoring. You will work under general/limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

In addition, the following apply to the Program Specialist IV position:

Perform Organic Certification program work and provide guidance to program staff, as well as provide technical assistance to governmental agencies, community organizations, and/or the general public to protect consumers and the plant industry by regulating agricultural products through organic certification.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborate/Assist with coordinating and/or collaborate with program management and staff in evaluating, revising, developing and implementing daily program activities, guidelines, policies and procedures for assigned programs. Monitor and review compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes and rules to ensure alignment with agency mission.

Distribute appropriate forms and information to appropriate parties, including applicants, licensees, industry and other government officials, as needed.

Monitor required program performance reports and recommend appropriate changes to program management, as needed.

Review and evaluate the computer-based systems used for assigned programs to identify potential problems and recommend improvements.

Collaborate with program staff in the preparation, tracking, validation, and completion of purchases, travel vouchers, cooperative agreements, compliance agreements, grants and contracts.

Participate in the training of inspectors and other agency staff. Develop and revise training materials; maintain/update training manuals for the assigned programs; and participate in or conduct training sessions.

Collect, organize, analyze and prepare materials in response to requests for program information and reports.

Set up, maintain and monitor program records and enter related data into a database and or spreadsheet.

Assist in developing policy and procedure manuals.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

In addition, the following apply to the Program Specialist IV position:

Serve as a subject matter expert and provide guidance in the development, implementation and revision of work plans to identify primary functions for the division, outline objectives and develop mechanisms by which the effectiveness of the program can be measured.

Receive, process and respond to technical complaints and questions received regarding the assigned program.

Study and evaluate assigned program operations; assist in preparing reports and recommendations; and prepare justifications for the implementation of procedural, policy, administrative or legislative changes.



Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROGRAM SPECIALIST III - B19 - $3,950.00-$4,250.00/MO.

Bachelors of Science in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Biology or related field (One year of work experience related to the primary duties may substitute for one year of college).

Two (2) years work experience work experience providing technical assistance in agriculture, horticulture, botany, entomology, plant pathology, natural science or other agriculture-related field.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROGRAM SPECIALIST IV - B20 - $4,250.00 - $4,650.00/MO.

Bachelors of Science in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Biology or related field (One year of work experience related to the primary duties may substitute for one year of college).

Three (3) years work experience work experience providing technical assistance in agriculture, horticulture, botany, entomology, plant pathology, natural science or other agriculture-related field.

Experience with or knowledge of National Organic Program organic standards and Organic Systems Plans (OSP).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the assigned program areas; training techniques; and of program management processes and techniques.

Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance; providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers and in operating a personal computer with 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 provide guidance to others; and to exercise sound judgment and discretion.

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 (10%), occasionally overnight.

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

TDA has a telework policy that will allow eligible positions to telework up to two (2) days per week after completing six (6) months of employment with the agency. The employee must meet eligibility criteria set forth in the Telework Policy.

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 & 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 an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.

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 veterans 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 MOS Program Management Codes.