Salary: $46,817.00 - $81,930.00 Annually Location : Regional, NC Job Type: Permanent Full-Time Job Number: 24-11864-#######4 Department: Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services Division: Agriculture Consumer Service Opening Date: 11/20/2024 Closing Date: 11/28/2024 5:00 PM Eastern Job Class Title: Agricultural Program Specialist I Position Number: 60095994 Section: Plant Industry Salary Grade: NC13 Recruitment Range: $46,817-$51,109 Description of Work If there are no qualified candidates remaining in the applicant pool who meet the minimum education and experience or knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position, a trainee who does not meet the minimum requirements can be referred The Seed/ Fertilizer Specialist is responsible for ensuring that seed, fertilizer, lime, landplaster and soil additives offered for sale in an assigned geographic area in North Carolina meet standards as outlined in related statutory authorities and rules. The individual must conduct detailed visits and inspections at seed and fertilizer dealers, bulk processors and retail outlets to determine whether products in the marketplace follow the outlined standards. This position is responsible for the interpretation and application of legal provisions at the wholesale and retail levels and frequently require that recommendations be provided on equipment and processing to improve substandard products as well as ensuring that these companies are in compliance with registration of their products. This position is responsible for taking seed, fertilizer and lime samples for testing to the N. C. Seed Laboratory, as well as the fertilizer analysis lab. Products found to be in violation are placed under stop sale orders and removed from wholesale or retail sale. Physical effort is required in collecting seed and fertilizer samples. Lifting to 50 pounds, frequent bending, climbing and taking samples from trucks is part of the job. This position requires the specialist to endure extensive driving and exposure to changing weather conditions. This position works extensively with the general public and must develop and maintain excellent working relationships in order to implement an effective regulatory program. Candidate must reside in one of the counties served. Territory will include: Ashe, Alleghany, Surry, Stokes, Wilkes, Yadkin, Forsyth, Davie, Davidson, Rowan The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provide services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees. Click Here to Watch this video to Learn How to Apply. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position. We will not review resumes in lieu of Experience and Education listed on the application. To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:
- General knowledge of state and federal laws governing the labeling of seed, fertilizer and related products, including the interpretation of these authorities in the wholesale or retail marketplace. General knowledge of the processing, bagging and/or marketing of commercial seeds. General knowledge of the blending, mixing and/or delivery methods of both liquid and dry fertilizers.
- Ability to work in inclement weather conditions.
- Ability to climb spreader trucks, limestone & land plaster piles to safely acquire samples.
- Ability to sample bulk seed samples from bags which may not be located at floor level.
- Ability to instruct producers, processors, and dealers in the proper processing and registration of their products.Ability to conduct daily work independently in a safe and efficient manner.Ability to effectively complete required forms, reports, and records.
MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES:
- One year's work experience in seed analysis, seed and fertilizer sales, seed and fertilizer production or processing, or at least 1 year of agriculture regulatory experience.
- Experience with MS Office including Outlook, Word and Excel.
Minimum Education and Experience RequirementsYou may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both. Bachelor's degree in agronomy, field crops, horticulture, botany, seed technology, agricultural education or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of experience in seed analysis, seed and fertilizer sales, seed and fertilizer production, or processing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Supplemental and Contact Information Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience. Please follow instructions to apply on-line. It is important that your application includes all of your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22. All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety sensitive positions and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire then the CDL will become a requirement for the position. *Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete.* Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-###-####. NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types. For permanent and time-limited appointments:Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation. 01 Do you live or are you willing to relocate at your own expense to one of the following counties within the work territory? Counties include: Ashe, Alleghany, Surry, Stokes, Wilkes, Yadkin, Forsyth, Davie, Davidson, Rowan.
02 Do you have knowledge of state and federal laws governing the labeling of seed, fertilizer and related products, including the interpretation of these authorities in the wholesale or retail marketplace?(If YES, under the duties sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
03 Do you have knowledge of the processing, bagging and/or marketing of commercial seeds?(If YES, under the duties sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
04 Do you have knowledge of the blending, mixing and/or delivery methods of both liquid and dry fertilizers?(If YES, under the duties sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
05 Have you ever been convicted of an offense against the law other than a minor traffic violation? (A conviction does not mean that you cannot be hired. The offense and how recently you were convicted will be evaluated in relation to the job for which you are applying).
06 If you answered yes that you have been convicted of an offense against the law other than a minor traffic violation, please explain the nature of the conviction and the date. If you answered no enter NA 07 To the best of your knowledge, have you or a company that you have worked for been given a warning letter, civil penalty, notice of violation or a settlement agreement by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or one of its divisions while you were employed with that company?
08 If you answered yes to the previous question, please explain the nature of the warning letter, civil penalty, notice of violation or settlement agreement, the date, and how it was resolved if you have knowledge of that information. If you answered No , please type N/A. Required Question