Agriculturist

* THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*

Job Summary

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.

Essential Qualifications

Three or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties and graduation from high school or equivalent education.

Job Duties

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

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 - ***email_hidden***

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.

Benefits Include

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).

• State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.

The Following Are Legal Holidays

January 1.............................................. New Year's Day

Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday

Third Monday in February................ Washington’s Birthday

Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day

June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day

July 4.................................................... Independence Day

First Monday in September.............. Labor Day

Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day

November 11........................................ Veterans' Day

Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day

Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day

December 25........................................ Christmas Day

When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255

AGRICULTURIST 3 - Do you have three or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties and graduation from high school or equivalent education?

• Yes.
• No.

This position requires up to 25% of travel. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

A valid Nevada drivers' license is required at the time of appointment and as a condition of continued employment. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question