Introduction
The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a
department under Maryland's Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the
Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of
Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal
health, consumer services to include marketing
and lab services, plant and pest management and resource
conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of
agriculture programs in the State continue to expand and grow.
The Pesticide Regulation Section administers Maryland's Pesticide Applicator's Law, approves training courses in the handling, storage and use of pesticides, conducts examinations to determine that pesticide applicators are competent to follow prescribed pest control practices, enforces federal laws on the sale and use of pesticides, and investigates pesticide accidents or incidents and consumer complaints on pesticide misuse.
COME JOIN THE PESTICIDE REGULATION TEAM!
GRADE
16
LOCATION OF POSITION
MDA Headquarters - 50 Harry S Truman Pkwy. Annapolis, MD 21401
Main Purpose of Job
Coordinates a statewide program for the issuance of pesticide business licenses, public agency
permits, restricted use pesticide dealer permits, pesticide applicator certificates and registered employee I.D. Cards. Plans and administers applicator certification and training programs for individuals who are required by state and federal law to be certified and trained to apply pesticides for private and commercial use. Develops education materials relating to pesticide regulations, pesticide use and pest control for pesticide applicators, dealers, government agencies and the public. Prepares and directs the administration of certification examinations to person applying for private or commercial pesticide applicator certification.
POSITION DUTIES
Coordinate the issuance of pesticide business licenses, public agency permits, restricted use pesticide dealer permits, private applicator (farmers) and commercial applicator certificates, and registered employee ID Cards to ensure pesticides are applied by trained and competent individuals. Includes developing written exams, assisting in planning and preparation of applicator training sessions, developing PowerPoint presentations and other visual aids. Will prepare, revise, maintain and distribute training manuals.
Design Pesticide Information Sheets and other educational materials for use by licensees, applicator and the general public. Maintains reference files on pest control practices. Develops and coordinates mass mailings and represents the Department at in-state conferences, as well as national and federal meetings.
Establish standards for implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) programs for public school systems. Review school district's IPM plans for compliance with regulations.
Prepare the annual Environmental Protection Agency EPA/MDA Cooperative Agreement for Pesticides programs by completing application forms. Assemble federal budget proposals, develop work plans, assists with program budget and purchasing activities.
Provide direction and lead administrative support staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Course work must have included a minimum of 21 credit hours selected from among the subject areas of agronomy, botany, entomology, horticulture, or plant pathology, at least 6 credit hours of which must have been in the subject area of entomology.
Experience: Three years of experience in applied economic entomology directly related to pesticides.
Notes:
1. Applicants may substitute graduate education in entomology, with specialized work in the field of pesticides, for up to two years of experience at the rate of one year of graduate education to one year of the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in entomology classifications or entomology specialty codes in the entomology field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
Experience working with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.
Experience developing pesticide safety or similar training programs.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Some positions in this classification are assigned duties which will require the applicants to be examined by a physician. After an offer of employment, applicants for such positions will be given a medical examination to certify the ability to perform the essential job functions.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application process is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401. All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions. (Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.
If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application. If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).
For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Kathleen Newhouse 410-841-5837 or kathleen.newhouse2@maryland.gov TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
