Agricultural Inspector, Highway Department

Stearns-County,-Mn; Waite Park (MN); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Stearns County in Minnesota is seeking a position to regulate seeds and noxious weeds and assist with pesticides. The role includes inspections, weed control program oversight, MS4 permit implementation, and public outreach to protect health and the environment.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma or equivalent, plus agronomy/environmental studies education and related experience; a valid MN driver’s license is required and fieldwork is common.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Minnesota Noxious Weed Laws.
• Knowledge of weed identification and weed laws.
• Knowledge of seed laws, rules, and labeling.
• Knowledge of fertilizer laws, rules, and labeling.
• Knowledge of commercial feed laws, rules, and labeling.

Responsibilities

• Enforces the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law and Minnesota Seed Law and rules.
• Inspects plant species to determine noxious/invasive weeds.
• Participates in weed control programs for safe herbicide use.
• Maps and evaluates storm water systems and MS4 compliance.
• Oversees county right-of-way spraying program.
• Plans and attends meetings with officials and the public.

Skills

Noxious weed laws knowledge

Weed identification

Effective communication

Task organization

Data interpretation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Formal preparation in agronomy/environmental studies

Job description

SalaryHiring Rate: $27.93/hour, Grade 15, Non-Exempt, Teamsters - General UnitStearns County Mission: Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.Stearns County Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & EquitableStearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.Hiring Range: $27.93 - $33.35/hourPosition ObjectiveTo provide effective regulation of seeds and noxious weeds and to assist in the regulation of pesticides, and screening. This position is responsible for protective and educational service to the public and regulated industries to protect public health, the environment, and the consumer. This position will also provide assistance with the implementation of the County’s MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThese examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.1. Enforces the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law and Minnesota Seed Law and rules to protect citizens and the environment from the harmful effects of noxious weeds.2. Performs inspections of plant species to determine if a noxious/invasive plant.3. Participates in control programs for users and sellers of herbicides to ensure such products are used in an effective, legal, and safe manner by properly trained and licensed individuals.4. Evaluates, inspects and maps county's storm water systems, and participate in the storm water public outreach program in accordance with MS4 requirements. Conducts standard testing and sampling procedures to evaluate storm water quality on the county's storm water conveyance systems. Assists with following up on erosion issues relating to right of way permits/complaints.5. Manages the county's biological control program for noxious weeds and oversees the County right-of-way spraying program.6. Plans, conducts, and attends meetings for municipal officials and the public to discuss the law enforcement and education regarding noxious weeds and seeds.7. Schedules weed tours; follows-up on seed violations; and advises landowners on proper weed control.8. Serves legal documents to landowners who do not comply with regulations.9. Administers commercial and non-commercial pesticide exams.10. Assists in coordination of the Highway Departments Vegetation Management Plan.11. Assists MN Dept of Ag (MDA) with obtaining samples of seeds from dealers and at retail, and wholesale seed outlets.12. Supports noxious weed compliance by assisting Township weed inspectors with enforcement, assisting with the preparation of required permit applications, and helping carry out responsibilities associated with the Monarch CCAA.13. Completes and submits reports as required by the Commissioner of Agriculture and the County Board of Commissioners.14. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.15. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.Minimum QualificationsIn order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:• High school graduate or equivalent• Two years of formal preparation education in agronomy, environmental studies, or similar field and six months of progressively related experience OR four years and six months of progressively related experience• Valid Minnesota Class \"D\" Driver's License• Reliable means of transportation to travel to multiple locations around Stearns County, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation• Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, C and J• Certified Minnesota Tree Inspector or the ability to obtain within 90 days’ of employmentPreferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications:• Forest Pest First Detector trainingDesirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities1. Knowledge of Minnesota Noxious Weed Laws.2. Knowledge of weed identification and weed laws pertaining to noxious weeds.3. Knowledge of seed laws, rules, and labeling.4. Knowledge of fertilizer laws, rules, and labeling.5. Knowledge of commercial feed laws, rules, and labeling.6. Knowledge of acceptable control methods for noxious weeds as approved by Environmental Protection Agency regulations.7. Skilled in organizing and prioritizing tasks while managing multiple field and administrative responsibilities.8. Skilled in evaluating field data, interpreting sampling results, and making informed compliance decisions.9. Ability to interpret, apply and enforce regulations with consistency and professionalism.10. Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with agencies, employees, and the public.11. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.Accountabilities Shared By All Employees1. Consistently performs job responsibilities with a positive attitude and in a manner consistent with the County’s mission and values.2. Develops and maintains a respectful and collaborative professional relationship with all County employees and the public we serve.3. Values and respects the diversity each employee brings to the organization.4. Develops and maintains knowledge and understanding of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.5. Complies with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment.Work Environment and Physical DemandsThe primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 20% of the time indoors and approximately 80% of the time outdoors. May require frequent travel to off-site locations and minimal attendance at evening meetings. Will have slight exposure to health hazards and accidents; requires a low level of physical effort; walks over uneven ground while performing weed inspections and obtaining samples of seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers. Requires visual acuity to be able to recognize invasive issues in the environment. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota.Extent of Supervision or Guidance ProvidedWork is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant County Engineer.Responsibility for Public ContactFrequentHours of WorkThis position has a normal work schedule of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; may include some hours outside of normal work hours on occasion.Interview DateIf you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on a date to be determined. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. A job specific physical, drug and/or psychological exam may be required before appointment.BenefitsTo view Stearns County benefits go to: Stearns County Benefits PageIf you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.