Agricultural Environmental Specialist 1-3

State of Louisiana•Opelousas, LA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves in the Office of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. This posting is for 2 vacancies, Pesticides and Seed Division, serving Opelousas and the surrounding areas. The position performs complex and advanced-level duties for the Office of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences within the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and entails responsibility and professional agricultural inspection and enforcement work in a variety of technically specialized and professional regulatory programs, including but not limited to pesticide, horticulture and quarantine, seed, industrial hemp, agricultural chemistry programs, and structural pest control. Grow your career with opportunities in leadership, professional development, and specialized advancement opportunities.

Requirements

Three years of experience in agriculture, chemistry, natural resource management, structural pest control, or inspection or enforcement for compliance with agricultural, environmental, or public health laws, rules or regulations; OR A bachelor’s degree in forestry, an agricultural, biological, chemical, environmental science, or engineering field.

Nice To Haves

Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.
Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.
Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well- supported conclusions.
Accepting Direction: The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions.
Demonstrating Initiative: The ability to assess situations independently and take proactive steps to address them without being prompted or instructed by others.
Displaying Expertise: The ability to demonstrate specialized knowledge, skills, and experience to apply subject-matter expertise in diverse and evolving contexts.
Driving Results: The ability to set and pursue goals, maintain focus amid competing demands, and deliver results.
Managing Projects: The ability to plan, implement, and close out project initiatives by coordinating people, resources, and timelines to achieve defined outcomes.

Responsibilities

Evaluates and compiles data and other facts related to inspections within the above-described functional areas into comprehensive technical reports through the use of established regulatory criteria, policies, and procedures.
Ensures consumer products meet applicable quality standards through routine sampling in all of the functional areas such as: disease/insect/weed free; quality seed germination; industrial hemp THC concentration; product label guarantees; quality plant installation and maintenance; pesticide treatments that provide protection of human health, homes and crops; quality feed for livestock and pets; quality agricultural lime; assists in preventing introduction of noxious weeds, insects and diseases; etc.
Conducts field inspections on various crops, samples seed in bulk and containers, records inspection and seed processor facility inspections for seed certification
Conducts inspections and/or investigations related to pesticide producers, distributors, dealers or aerial or ground pesticide applicators ensuring they are complying with licensing/certification, record keeping, and use laws, rules and regulations.
Inspects structures treated and pretreated by local pest companies to ensure termite treatment meets minimum standards set by pest control laws.
Collects routine official regulatory samples of seed, industrial hemp, fertilizer and agricultural lime from manufacturers, dealers, and farmers, as well as investigative samples due to complaints or as follow up to a previous sample collection.
Uses various electronic devices that assist in inspection/investigation documentation and keeps current with available technology by participating in training provided or by independent study.
May assist the supervisor and/or manager in handling administrative functions for this unit, including but not limited to gathering EPA numbers from work reports, reviewing and compiling inspection reports.
Independently and accurately responds to inquiries from regulated industries and the public.