AGRICULTURAL INSPECTOR II

REPOST - Those who have applied no need to re-apply

*****Currently hiring to fill 2 positions******

1 position work will be performed in the following areas: North/Central Maryland

1 position work will be performed in the following areas: Eastern Shore Maryland

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Maryland Department of Agriculture Headquarters - Annapolis, MD

Employees will be assigned a state vehicle and inspection equipment to perform their duties.  In addition to conducting inspections in the assigned region, will occasionally make routine trips to headquarters in Annapolis for training, meetings and other purposes determined by the program.

Conducts announced and/or unannounced routine inspections and investigations to assure compliance with the MD Pesticide Applicator's Law Title 15, Department of Agriculture Subtitle 05, Pesticide Use control chapters 01 & 02, Code of Federal Regulation 40 Parts 150 to 173 and the Federal, Insecticide, fungicide, and Rodenticide Act by those individuals involved in the manufacture, production, sale, distribution, storage, disposal and handling and use of pesticides. Enforcement activities directly support the State's goal of ensuring the health and safety of its citizens as well as protection of the environment, including the Chesapeake Bay.

Schedules and conducts routine inspections and investigations.  May assist a higher level inspector with complete inspections and investigations of pest control business, permitted public agencies, dealers, pesticide producing establishments, air and sea port, certified private applicators and individuals or organizations who apply, recommend or are involved with or are exposed to pesticides to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations by comparing personal observations with established laws and regulations. 

When directed, respond to consumer complaints as necessary.  With assistance from Supervisor or Higher Level Inspectors make determinations if a violations has occurred.  Inspections or investigations may take place at any location, time and under adverse conditions.  Prepares and complete investigative reports under guidance from Supervisor and/or higher level Inspectors.  Determine what evidence is needed to confirm that violations have been observed.  Must use a scheduling plan and effective time management techniques to complete any related work.

As per the "MDA PRS Inspector's Manual and SOP for Inspectors and the "EPA Pesticide Inspector's Manuel", collects samples of pesticides, pesticide products and any other medium possibly containing or contaminated with pesticides documents and photograph conditions observed.  Make recommendations of corrective actions to ensure compliance with the state and federal law and regulations. 

Inspects, collects and chips empty plastic pesticide containers as part of the pesticide container recycling program.

Assist in the training of pest control businesses, public agencies, pesticide dealers, certified private applicators, private citizens and other organizations concerning state and federal laws and regulations.  Administers examinations to persons seeking certification for private or commercial applicators.  Testifies in departmental and EPA administrative hearings, criminal and civil proceedings.  Attends and completes training for Federal and State credentials.              

Education:  Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Two years of experience in one of the following: production, processing, marketing, grading or inspection of agricultural products or chemicals; assisting veterinarians in care and management of animals; animal disease control; care or management of livestock or inspecting veterinary hospitals, riding stables or livestock dealers; installation, inspection, repair, or testing of weighting, volumetric measuring or counting devices; inspecting labeling and packaging; pesticide sales, use, regulation, or application; production, maintenance or inspection of a tree plantation or nursery stock; pest or weed control; wildlife population censuring; or the production, sales, inspection or testing of seed or turf products.

Notes:

1.  Applicants may substitute fifteen credit hours in agriculture; animal, biological, environmental, food or physical sciences; chemistry; mathematics; engineering, or law enforcement at an accredited college or university for each year of experience for up to two years of experience. 

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience non-commissioned officer in quality assurance, inspection and grading classification or quality assurance, inspection and grading specialty codes in the agricultural commodity grading field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.  

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 conducting compliance inspections/investigations.

• Experience in making recommendations in correcting code violations.

• Experience in educating the public and other government regulated organizations.

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.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Kathleen Newhouse at 410-841-5837 or kathleen.newhouse2@maryland.gov

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. 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). All paper applications must be received by the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.)

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.