Working Title: Anhydrous Ammonia/Ag-Lime Consultant
Job Class: Agricultural Consultant - Ag Chemical
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 03/20/2023.
• Date Posted: 03/14/2023
• Closing Date: 04/03/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Agriculture Dept / Agriculture-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Agriculture-Saint Paul / Facility Management Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes (up to 35%)
• Salary Range: $28.96 - $42.67 / hourly; $60,468 - $89,094 / annually
• Job Class Option: Agricultural Chemicals
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position will be located at one of the following agency offices: St. Paul, Glenwood, Fergus Falls, Mankato, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, St. Cloud, Preston, Staples or Lamberton. This position may have the option to telework.

This position exists to administer the Inspection, Permitting, and Licensing programs for Anhydrous Ammonia and Agricultural Liming Materials, and perform related work authorized by Minnesota Pesticide and Fertilizer Control Laws, M.S. 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, and rules promulgated under federal and state law, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); provide training to Specialist and Advisors, and information and education to regulated clientele and the general public regarding the use, storage, handling, distribution, and disposal of agricultural chemicals.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Three (3) years of regulatory experience in an agriculture/horticulture industry. NOTE: A BS in Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Entomology, Horticulture, Soil Science, Earth Science, Geology or a related field may substitute one (1) year of experience.

Experience conducting Anhydrous Ammonia equipment, bulk facility and permit inspections, and incident investigations in accordance with applicable MN Statutes and Rules, work guidance, and SOPs or

Knowledge of Anhydrous Ammonia and it’s use, handling and storage agronomically and State of MN regulations and storage and equipment requirements.

Knowledge of Ag Lime and it’s use/application agronomically and Ag Liming material State of MN regulations and licensing requirements,

Knowledge of chemigation system requirements to determine system compliance with applicable MN Rules and Statutes.

Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.

The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

A BS or higher in Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Entomology, Horticulture, Soil Science, Earth Science, Geology or a related field.

Experience training MDA staff on conducting Anhydrous Ammonia equipment, and facility inspections, in accordance with applicable MN Statutes and Rules, work guidance, and SOPs.

Knowledge and experience using CIS, LIS MDA data systems sufficient to issue Ag Lime licenses, print reports, and manage ag-lime tonnage data and license data to ensure accuracy.

Experience sampling ag lime in accordance with established MDA protocols.

Experience issuing MDA enforcement documents, including Advisory Notices, and Notices of Violation.

Experience conducting complex chemigation inspections to determine system compliance with MN Rules and Statutes.

Physical Requirements

Work Conditions may be hazardous. Exposure to agricultural chemicals occurs on a limited basis during inspections and investigations. Incumbent must wear all required safety equipment and follow SOPs for personal protection. Incumbent must be able to walk long distances over uneven terrain and may be exposed to extremes of heat and cold in the performance of his/her duties. Incumbent may encounter dangerous equipment and work conditions and must use sufficient judgment to protect himself/herself from injury. Incumbent must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Ag lime sampling equipment and sampling procedures, the use of ladders to complete regulatory inspections and other equipment require heavy lifting. Incumbent must be able to work with difficult individuals and must remove him/herself from situations when necessary for protection.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Jane Boerboom at jane.boerboom@state.mn.us.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Tracy Ohmann at tracy.ohmann@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

Why Work for Us

This position is an opportunity to help protect and improve Minnesota’s environment and enhance public health. This position exists to lead and manage the Ag Lime Licensing program, conduct regulatory inspections, and program management in the anhydrous ammonia and chemigation permitting and inspection programs, and perform outreach and education to promote an understanding of how to comply with MDA requirements. Incident investigations are conducted to determine the cause of a release and corrective actions are completed to reduce or eliminate the risk of future releases. The work is challenging and requires persistence and creativity to meet inspection and permitting goals and provide the necessary outreach and education to gain compliance.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.