Job Details Working Title: Plant Health Regulatory Specialist Job Class: Plant Health Specialist 1 Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Job ID: 81084
- Location: Minnesota Central Area; Minnesota Northwest Area
- Telework Eligible: No
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through 01/22/2025.
- Date Posted: 01/16/2025
- Closing Date: 02/05/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Division/Unit: Plant Protection Division / Plant Pest Regulatory Unit Staff
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes - Up to 75% of the time
- Salary Range: $23.63 - $34.18 / hourly; $49,339 - $71,367 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary This posting will be used to fill two (2) vacancies. One position will be filled in each of the following locations:
- This position will be located in the Northwest Region of Minnesota. This region stretches northwest from Kittson County, southwest to Traverse County, northeast to Lake of the Woods County and southeast to Stearns County. Ideal candidates will live in cities near Alexandria, Fergus Falls, Wadena, St. Cloud or Little Falls.
- This position will be located in the Northeast Region of Minnesota. This region stretches northwest from Koochiching County, to southwest to Stearns County, southeast to Chisago County, and northeast to Cook County. Ideal candidates will live near Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Aitkin, St. Cloud or Little Falls.
These positions will implement and enforce Minnesota Statute Chapters 18G (Plant Protection & Export Certification) and 18H (Nursery Law) and assist with enforcement of Federal Plant Protection statutes and quarantines as well as the rules and policies of the Plant Protection Division, to protect Minnesota agriculture and the environment. Responsibilities include:
- Developing and maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of a broad range of plants, insects and diseases, as well as state and federal plant protection regulations to conduct pest surveys and Inspections at a broad range of sites. The majority of the work is conducted at nurseries, but may include agricultural fields, orchards, and forests
- Responding to pest introductions, enforcing plant pest regulations and serving as a field representative for the department regarding plant pests.
- Inspecting nursery stock grown and/or sold in Minnesota for plant pest and diseases to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and certify it for movement and sale in Minnesota and other states.
- Assisting with investigations of potential violations of plant protection regulations by businesses or individuals in order to correct any violations and protect Minnesota's agricultural and environmental resources.
- Inspecting non-nursery sites, mills, firewood dealers, holiday greenery sales sites and other sites handling plant or plant products to ensure freedom from insects or disease and/or compliance with plant protection regulations.
These positions are considered remote worker positions which is defined as, an employee who, as a condition of their appointment, has their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, works permanently from that location, and does not have an agency permanent/principal work location. Currently the MDA does not allow remote work locations outside of the State of Minnesota. For more information refer to HR/LR Policy #1447 Remote Worker Policy:
Qualifications 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. A bachelor's degree in plant pathology, horticulture, entomology, agronomy, weed science or closely related field. OR One year of experience in plant health management, tree or plant health diagnostics, invasive species management or regulatory work in an agricultural or environmental program. Additional experience required of all candidates includes:
- Ability to identify plants and plant pest (insects) and diseases.
- An understanding of insect and disease biologyand the host plants they impact to identify them during inspections.
- Knowledge and ability to collect official samples of plant material or associated articles that may be infested or contaminated with regulated or quarantine pests of concern.
- The incumbent must be able to read maps and GPS/GIS files sufficient to plan and efficiently travel to fields and inspection sites within assigned work areas.
- The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
- Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
Preferred Qualifications A bachelor's degree in plant pathology, horticulture, entomology, agronomy, weed science or closely related field. A working knowledge of state statutes, their rules and regulations. The abilityto understand and correctly interpret applicable state and federal regulatory statutes regulations, and guidelines and accurately answer questions from regulated clientele about them. The ability to communicate orally and in writing as a nursery program subject matter expert to diverse audiences including technical personnel, citizens, nursery growers, dealers, industry representatives and other regulatory officials. The ability to distinguish and identify regulated, quarantine or actionable plant pests, diseases and issue stop sales orders or order proper control or disposal methods. A knowledge of horticultural practice and terminology. Experience conducting nursery inspections. Experience working in the horticultural industry as a plant health specialist, greenhouse manager, head grower, nursery manager, arborist or nurseryman.
Physical Requirements This position is physically demanding and may include the following. The ability to perform all physical duties listed below is required:
- Extensive driving-driving distances may average or exceed 150 miles per day.
- Frequent stopping and exit/entry of vehicle along or near major roads.
- Survey work requiring long periods of walking and climbing in fields, ditches, and wooded areas.
- Kneeling/squatting/bending for long periods of time.
- Working with a variety of tools including knives and saws.
- Felling and disposing of trees requiring the physical strength to fell and dismember a tree with a handsaw, as well as the strength to lift and drag tree parts weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Working around and in dust and mud.
- Working in inclement weather, in extreme temperatures and around insects.
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:
- SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
- Employment Reference Check
- Driver's License Check
- Conflict of Interest Review
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
Application Details How to Apply Select Apply for Job at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-###-#### or email ...@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact KimberlyThielen Cremers at ...@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 Becky Hierlinger at ...@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.
Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include: - Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals: - Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: - A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
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. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law. APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-###-#### or email ...@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.