NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Genesis Distribution; Frederick (MD); In loco; USD 63.000 - 100.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

Maryland Department of Agriculture in Maryland is seeking a qualified candidate to support the Nutrient Management Program statewide, including Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. The role reviews nutrient management plans and ensures compliant implementation by farmers and consultants.

Responsibilities include site visits, enforcement actions for non-compliance, maintaining records, and preparing periodic reports to support regulatory objectives.

Competenze

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 24 credit hours in agronomy, soil science, crops, horticulture, environmental science, or related discipline.
• One year of experience in agronomy, soil fertility, nutrient management planning, or related farming experience.

Mansioni

• Reviews applications and evaluates nutrient management plans written by certified consultants and farmers.
• Conducts plan implementation visits for farmers and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Provides technical assistance and enforces actions for non-compliant licenses, consultants, nutrient applicators, and farmers.
• Maintains records of inspections and prepares reports on inspection activities for program evaluation and compliance.

Formazione

Bachelor’s degree with at least 24 credit hours in agronomy, soil science, crops, horticulture, environmental science, or related discipline

Descrizione del lavoro

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 continues to expand and grow.

The Nutrient Management Program protects water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries by ensuring that farmers and urban land managers apply fertilizers, animal manure and other nutrient sources in an effective and environmentally sound manner. Maryland law requires all farmers grossing $2,500 a year or more or livestock producers with 8,000 pounds or more of live animal weight to follow nutrient management plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal manure. Nutrient management plansspecify how much fertilizer, manure or other nutrient sources may be safely applied to crops to achieve yields and prevent excess nutrients from impacting waterways.

GRADE 15 – This position offers a salary range of $63,154.00-$99,603.00 Yearly/annually based on qualifications, agency authority, agency budget, pay equity, and hiring salary guidelines.

LOCATION OF POSITION

(Assigned Statewide and in, Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties)

Main Purpose of Job

This position provides technical and administrative support to the nutrient management program Statewide and, in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. The main function of this position is to review nutrient management plans written by certified consultants and the implementation of nutrient management plans by farmers to help ensure their compliance with the regulatory requirements regarding proper utilization and application of nutrients, and protection of Maryland’s agricultural and natural resources and the environment.

POSITION DUTIES

Reviews applications and evaluates certified nutrient management plans written by certified nutrient management consultants/farmers. Conducts plan implementation visits for farmers 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-compliant licenses, consultants, nutrient applicators and farmers. Addresses complaints using the Department’s Guidelines and Regulations for Nutrient Management Implementation.

Maintains records of inspections of nutrient management plans written by certified consultants/farmers and plan implementation by farmers for evaluation, regulatory requirements, and reporting by using hard copies and the program’s database system. Prepares reports on inspection activities for program’s evaluation and compliance with the Department’s objectives using program’s reporting format.

Other related Nutrient Management Program duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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:

• Four years of experience in agronomy, soil fertility, nutrient management planning, or other related farming experience may be substituted for the required education.
• 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.
• 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.
• Candidates may substitute the possession of a current nutrient management certification for two years of the required experience.
• 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.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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.

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

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

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.

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.