NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST I

15

50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis MD  21401

This position provides technical and administrative support to the nutrient management program statewide. The main function of this position is to review records, nutrient recommendations and applications performed by major urban nutrient users such as lawn care firms, ground maintenance professionals, and golf course managers in order to ensure their compliance with state regulations and the most effective utilization of nutrient uses in urban landscapes and review and inspects nutrient management plans written by certified consultants to ensure their compliance with the regulatory requirements regarding proper utilization and recommendations of nutrients for protection of Maryland's agricultural and natural resources and the environment.

Reviews and inspects nutrient recommendations and applications performed by major urban nutrient applicators ensuring their compliance with state regulatory requirements using the Department’s Guidelines and Procedures for Urban Nutrient Management.  Evaluates Annual Fertilizer Application reports for compliance, accuracy, and entry into the programs database. 

Provides technical assistance and helps technicians with the state approved nutrient recommendations and record keeping while maintaining state standards as required in the Nutrient Management Regulations.  Issues warning notices and follow-up actions as necessary for noncompliant persons to ensure compliance using the Department’s Guidelines and Regulations for Urban Nutrient Management Implementation.

Reviews and evaluates certified nutrient management plans written by certified nutrient management consultants and farmers.  Conducts plan implementation visits for farmers certified to write nutrient management plans and reviews annual implementation reports ensuring their compliance with state regulatory requirements using the Department’s Guidelines and Procedures.  Provides technical assistance and issues appropriate follow-up and enforcement actions for non-complaint licensees, consultants, nutrient applicators and farmers.

Maintains records, reviews, and inspections for evaluation, regulatory requirements, and reporting by using hard copies and the program’s database system. Prepares reports on Urban and Agricultural nutrient management inspection activities for program’s evaluation and compliance with the Department’s objectives using the program’s reporting format.

Assists in the development of a database for Urban and Agricultural Nutrient Management activities, updates information, and prepares reports as needed. Assist in providing information for the program’s newsletter and other public awareness outreach and works with training programs by identifying training needs to serve the program’s goals and objectives.

Other related Nutrient Management Program duties as assigned.

Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, which includes at least 24 credit hours in agronomy, soil science, crops, horticulture, environmental science, or a related discipline.

Experience: One year of experience in agronomy, soil fertility, nutrient management planning, or other related farming experience.

Notes:

1. Four years of experience in agronomy, soil fertility, nutrient management planning, or other related farming experience may be substituted for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college or university which includes at least 12 credit hours in agronomy, soil science, crops, horticulture, environmental science, or a related discipline and three years of experience in agronomy, soil fertility, nutrient management planning, or other related farming experience may be substituted for the required experience and education.  

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree in agronomy, soil science, crops, horticulture, environmental science, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute the possession of a current nutrient management certification for two years of the required experience.

5. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in plant pathology classifications or plant pathology specialty codes in the field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess any of the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Current Nutrient Management Consultant Certification

At least 12 credit hours in agronomy, soil science, crops, or horticulture

One (1) or more years of experience in agricultural production and/or turfgrass management

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Employees in this classification must obtain a Nutrient Management Certificate from the Maryland Department of Agriculture no later than one (1) year from the date of appointment and must maintain the certification.

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training, and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.  The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

Please report on all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree, transcript, and major on your application, if applicable. 

For education obtained outside of the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service. If you possess a degree obtained outside of the United States, please submit a detailed, course-by-course evaluation report from one of the U.S. equivalences evaluating members identified at http://www.naces.org/members.html.  Any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an official evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added.  Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report on all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

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.

It is important that all experiences be fully documented. Failure to ANSWER ALL SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS SPECIFICALLY AND ACCURATELY may cause the candidate to be rejected.

PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY.

➢ The application is part of the examination process. Your answers will determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the selection process.

➢ Clearly describe your qualifications in detail. Credit cannot be given for education, training, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that you fail to indicate.

➢ Do not leave any answer spaces blank; if a question does not apply, write "N/A".

➢ Although you may attach a resume to further describe your qualification, it does not substitute for completing the application form. An incomplete application form may result in disqualification. Do NOT write "see resume" in your work history or responses to supplemental questions.

➢ Failure to comply with these instructions may result in disqualification.

➢ Read the Job Announcement carefully for specific filing instructions, supplemental questions, and final filing dates. 

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: Stacey Summers 410-841-5840 or mda.humanresources@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.