AGRICULTURIST 3

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), Division of Plant Health and Compliance, is seeking to fill one (1) vacant Agriculturist 3 position, located in Sparks. This position will work under the general direction of the Environmental Scientist 4. Responsibilities include conducting Worker Protection Standard inspections and disseminating WPS information, coordinating strychnine alkaloid paste program, inspection pest control applicators at their office/warehouse and in the field according to neutral scheme inspection schedules and protocol.; work with companies and applicators to correct non-compliant issues with applicable codes; investigating verified complaints from the public as to possible violations of pesticide statues and code; inspections of restricted use pesticide (RUP) dealers from compliance with federal and state statue codes; inspect producer establishments and fumigation treatments as needed; maintain EPA inspector credentials including fulfilling training requirements and reports; refers all potential violations to the program manager for possible enforcement actions. Agriculturists perform a variety of inspections and enforcement duties related to regulated agricultural programs. Three or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties and graduation from high school or equivalent education. Perform technical inspection and enforcement duties related to agricultural programs in a limited capacity. Perform seed testing by weighing, separating, and classifying samples received. Perform seed certification, determine eligibility, inspect fields and issue reports. Examine pesticide labels for methods, rates of application, and dilution rates. Collect and package samples for laboratory analysis, investigate complaints, and issue notices of violations. Review forms and reports, statistical data, and determine inspection quotas. Prepare inspection reports. Participate in weed surveys, identification, and control programs. Identify and report infestations of noxious weeds, mix herbicides, identify specimens submitted, record data, and recommend control procedures. Inspect commercial feeds and gather, examine and/or package samples for analysis. Perform shipping point and conditional inspections of agricultural commodities. Inspect retail outlets, wholesalers, and agricultural facilities. Conduct outreach related to various agricultural topics and regulations including but not limited to native seed and noxious weeds. Enforce federal and State laws and regulations related to mixing, use, disposal, sale, and distribution of pesticides and/or fertilizers by licensed and certified applicators, public applicators, retail outlets or user locations. Perform a broad range of duties relating to the agricultural programs' inspection and enforcement. Prepare informational and regulatory bulletins. Issue seed movement permits and create certification standards for new crops. Evaluate pest control firms, process applications, issue licenses, and review reports. Investigate complaints related to pest control. Administer licensing programs for commercial pest control firms, operators, and restricted-use certification. Provide education on various agricultural topics and regulations including but not limited to noxious weeds, seed certification, produce safety, pest control, plant disease diagnostics. Maintain data, prepare reports, monitor budgets to assist in the administration of contracts, grants, and purchasing and budget preparation. Perform various laboratory diagnostic procedures using laboratory instruments and prepare related reports Monitor and calibrate laboratory equipment, monitor supplies, maintain microbiological cultures. Plan, organize, and implement agricultural programs. Coordinate pesticide applicator education and regulate safe pesticide use. Administer or participate in the pest control program, seed certification program, nursery licensing and inspection program. Perform related duties as assigned. This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Knowledge of:

Quarantined or serious pest insects, weeds and diseases. Pesticides, fertilizers, agricultural minerals, seed, and feeds; vertebrate pests and their habit. Standards for agricultural products and inspection techniques; pesticide enforcement programs. Current plant quarantines of other states and countries.

Ability to:

Prepare analytical, narrative, and statistical reports. Prepare and make presentations to regulated community.

Recruiter Contact Information:

Sonja Grass - SonjaGrass@admin.nv.gov