Job Details

Senior Agricultural Investigator

The Idaho Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an Agriculture Investigator Senior in the division of Agriculture Resources located in Burley, or Twin Falls, Idaho depending on the successful applicant. The successful candidate will need to obtain a Professional Applicator's License with a Pesticide Consultant's License category and a Chemigation License during the entry probationary period. The ideal candidate must also be able to do the following: work in inclement weather, negotiate rough terrain, stand for lengthy periods of time, and lift at least fifty (50) pounds. This posting will close upon selection of the successful candidate.

Example of Duties:

• Conduct investigations of damage and alleged misuses of applications of pesticides.
• Evaluate risk and document extent of damage to humans, plants, animals and the environment due to chemical contamination.
• Collect evidence; practice quality assurance and ensure all physical evidence follows chain of custody.
• Review applicator records and analyze data to determine if applicators are in compliance with regulated pesticide laws.
• Prepare fact-finding reports to determine compliance with laws and rules.
• May provide depositions and court testimony.
• Provide compliance assistance through educational outreach, and letters of noncompliance.
• Evaluate and inspect professional and private applicators, dealers and manufacturers of pesticides for compliance with environmental laws, rules and standards.
• Evaluate and inspect irrigation systems used for chemigation to assure chemicals do not contaminate ground and surface water.
• Provide education, training, information and outreach on pesticide use and chemigation practices.
• Provide applicator re-certification training and testing.
• Evaluate, inspect and provide advice to agricultural producers and workers and pesticide applicators for compliance with the Worker Protection Standard.
• Monitor use of pesticides that endanger protected species.
• Promote public awareness of pesticide laws, rules and standards.
• Provide chemical use/risk assessment information to public, growers, dealers and manufacturers involving chemigation, endangered species protection, worker protection, and water quality.
• Support the WPS, Water program, PDP program and all other Division programs.
• Provide routine reports & administrative documents as required.
• Carry out responsibilities outlined in Department's Risk Management/Safety Policy.
• Conduct other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience writing narrative reports. Typically gained by one year of experience preparing narrative reports such as business reports, investigative reports, research summaries, etc.
• Good knowledge of the use, hazards, and disposal of pesticides. Typically gained by approximately one year of appropriate work experience related to pesticides; OR college, vocational, technical or business school coursework in areas such as agribusiness, animal or crop production, horticulture, or pest management that is equivalent to three credits or a one semester course.
• Some knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to pesticides, hazardous materials, and/or environmental issues. Typically gained through approximately one year of work experience in a field such as production agriculture or pest management operations; OR college, vocational or business school coursework in areas such as agribusiness, animal or crop production, agricultural economics, biology, chemistry or horticulture equivalent to three credits or a one semester course.
• Experience interviewing, preparing scientific papers, investigative reports and/or written statements. Typically gained by college, vocational, technical or business school coursework in business writing, research writing, writing for professionals, investigative reporting, and investigation documentation equivalent to 3 credits or a one semester course; OR, approximately one year of job experience related to inspecting, investigating or auditing that required writing reports.
• Good knowledge of computer operations and word processing software. Typically gained through college, vocational, technical or business school coursework equivalent to three credits or a one semester course in computer operations and word processing which required performing word processing functions to include saving, retrieving, printing, formatting, deleting, and moving word processing files; OR, at least three months of work experience performing word processing functions to include saving, retrieving, printing, formatting, deleting, and moving word processing files.
• With or without a reasonable accommodation, able to pass a baseline medical examination and be physically able to use a respirator for an extended period of time while handling pesticides or responding to emergency situations involving pesticides.
• This position requires a valid driver's license.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate (oral and/or written) using the Spanish language.
• A current Professional Applicator's license with the Statewide Consultant category.
• Experience creating and conducting educational presentations. Typically gained by college, vocational or special coursework equivalent to three credits or a one semester course in developing and giving presentations; OR, approximately one year of job experience in developing and giving presentations.
• Some knowledge of investigative procedures for damage claims including developing evidence, establishing relationships, determining responsibilities, and conflicts of interest. Typically gained by one or more years of work experience with investigative procedures including developing evidence, establishing relationships, interviewing, crafting investigative reports and/or written statements, determining responsibilities, and conflicts of interest.
• Good knowledge of the classification and application of pesticides and fertilizers and the effects pesticides can have on humans, animals, and the environment; scientific research principles and techniques related to chemistry and biology; Integrated Pest Management (IPM), various agricultural crops and ornamental plants; causes of plant damage; and/or sampling protocols and techniques.

Benefits:

• Best retirement available in the nation.
• Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Paid parental leave.
• Multiple retirement savings plans, optional 401K, and optional 457.
• Basic life insurance for employee and family (employee covered at one times annual salary; spouse covered at $10,000; child covered at $5,000).
• Ongoing training opportunities.
• An opportunity for student loan forgiveness.
• EEO/ADA/Veteran's Preference.

If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected] or at (208) ###-####. The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities; auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) ###-#### (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].