Working Title: NH3, Waste Pesticide and Chemigation Specialist

Job Class: Agricultural Specialist - Ag Chemicals

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID : 84987

• 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 03/26/2025.

• Date Posted : 03/20/2025

• Closing Date : 04/09/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Division/Unit : Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division/Facility Management Staff

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes (up to 40%)

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

• Job Class Option : Agricultural Chemicals

• Classified Status : Classified

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

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• 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 position will be located in Fergus Falls, Glenwood, St. Cloud, Lamberton, Staples or Detroit Lakes and may have the option to telework.

This position will work with the Facility Management Unit Supervisor in administering the Waste Pesticide Collection program. This position exists to provide assistance in the oversight for the Waste Pesticide Collection Program and Empty Pesticide Container Recycling program activities; to coordinate MDA sponsored collections; ensure accuracy of program databases and contractor and county cooperator invoice reviews, county billing and reimbursement functions; develop and perform education & training, including reduction initiatives; participate in select collections; assure safety standards; and to provide assistance and represent the Unit in other functions as assigned by the Unit Supervisor. This position will conduct inspections and assist in issuing permits for the chemigation and anhydrous ammonia storage, handling, use, programs to ensure compliance with fertilizer and pesticide laws.

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.

One (1) year of work experience in the engineering, hazardous waste or agricultural chemical industry including work in designing anhydrous ammonia storage systems, use, handling and storage of anhydrous ammonia, hazardous materials, pesticides and fertilizers, research of pesticides and fertilizers or clean up and remediation of chemical incidents. NOTE: A bachelor's in Engineering, Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Soil Science or a related field may substitute one (1) year of work experience.

AND

Knowledge of:

• The use, storage, permitting, handling, distribution and disposal of pesticides and fertilizers or hazardous materials.

• The ability to read construction design plans.

• An understanding of applicable federal and state statutes and rules.

• Familiarity of Federal and state protocol for performing inspections, conducting investigations, obtaining, and handling evidence including samples.

• The use and applicability of agronomic practices involving anhydrous ammonia and lime soil amendment.

Excellent verbal and written skills including strong public relations skills with the ability to establish good rapport with clientele and the agricultural chemical community.

The ability to plan effectively, work independently and coordinate efforts with a variety of people.

Skills in Microsoft Office, web applications, database management, GPS and environmental meters.

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

Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience applying, storing, or handling anhydrous ammonia in an agricultural setting.

Experience interpretating construction plans and critically thinking to determine compliance with industry standards, rules and statutes.

Experience applying, using, testing lime materials for soil amendments.

Experience working with disposal of hazardous materials, including, and not limited to waste pesticides.

Experience working at an agricultural chemical facility, horticulture, household hazardous waste facility or similar disciple as an employee, applicator, supervisor, or manager.

Knowledge of agricultural chemical statutes, regulations, and rules.

Knowledge of investigation protocols, evidence collection, sampling procedures and enforcement procedures.

Physical Requirements

The incumbent needs physical dexterity that permits standing, kneeling, bending and stretching, and climbing up and down steps or ladders, lifting up to 30 pounds and traversing slippery/uneven surfaces. Incumbent must be able to walk long distances over uneven terrain and may be exposed to extremes of heat and cold in the performance of his/her duties. Incumbent must be able to work with difficult individuals and must remove him/herself from situations when necessary for protection. The incumbent must perform routine office tasks such as sitting and viewing a computer. The incumbent needs to travel overnight on an occasional basis and must drive a vehicle for an extended period.

The position may encounter dangerous equipment and work conditions and must take precautions to protect themselves from injury. The position will work at times near to agricultural chemicals and potential exposure is possible. The position must know and use personal protection principals, and safety protocols. The position must be able to wear all required safety equipment and follow SOPs for personal protection. All applicable State, Department and Program safety policies are required to be followed, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe operation of motor vehicles and prohibited confined space entry.

Additional Requirements

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

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

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.