NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST I

State of Maryland - MDA Ofc of Resource Cnsrv - Nutrient Management; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 63,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Department of Agriculture is seeking a Nutrient Management Specialist to review nutrient management plans and oversee their implementation across counties. You will provide technical assistance, enforce compliance, and maintain detailed inspection records to protect Maryland’s water quality and environment.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree with agronomy/soil science coursework and related experience; state benefits and a salary range are provided. Located in Frederick, MD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college 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.
• Substitution options may apply as described in the job posting notes.

Responsibilities

• Review nutrient management plans written by certified consultants/farmers.
• Conduct plan implementation visits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical assistance and issue follow-up/enforcement actions for non-compliant parties.
• Maintain records of inspections and prepare reports on inspection activities.
• Address complaints per guidelines and regulations for Nutrient Management.
• Support program objectives and perform related duties as assigned.

Education

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

Job description

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 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 plans specify 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

92 Thomas Johnson Drive Suite 110, Frederick, MD 21702
(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:
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.

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.
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.

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.

SELECTION PROCESS

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.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

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.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

G

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Contact

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Stacey Summers 410-841-5840 or [e-mail]. 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.