AGRICULTURE ENFORCEMENT AGENT II

State of Arkansas • Little Rock, AR

3d

About The Position

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.The Agriculture Enforcement Agent II is responsible for enforcing state agricultural laws, investigating violations, and ensuring compliance with state statutes and rules related to timber, livestock, crops, pesticides, and food safety. This position investigates crimes within the agricultural community such as timber theft, livestock theft, logging and farm equipment theft and vandalism, wildland arson, foreign land ownership, conducts field inspections, investigates complaints, and works with local, state, and federal agencies to protect Arkansas’s agricultural resources.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of Arkansas’s agricultural laws, enforcement procedures, and regulatory policies.
• Ability to conduct field investigations, collect evidence, and prepare legal reports.
• Proficiency in identifying fraudulent agricultural activities and enforcing compliance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting, public engagement, and interagency collaboration.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills when dealing with non-compliant individuals or entities.
• Critical thinking skills to analyze complex situations and enforce agricultural laws effectively.
• Ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations, including emergencies and legal disputes.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating with other enforcement agents, law enforcement, and agricultural officials.
• Strong organizational and time management skills for handling multiple investigations simultaneously.
• Ability to pass physical fitness test.
• At least five years of investigative experience in law enforcement.
• Licensure/Certifications: .Intermediate or Advanced Certified Law Enforcement officer with the State of Arkansas.

Nice To Haves

• Supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of agriculture industry.
• Knowledge of fire prevention and suppression methods.
• Ability to research property and real estate.

Responsibilities

• Enforce state agricultural laws, rules, and regulations regarding livestock, food safety, pesticide use, and agricultural commerce.
• Conduct investigations into illegal agricultural activities, including livestock theft, timber theft, logging and farm equipment theft or vandalism, wildland arson, fraud, biosecurity violations, and environmental hazards.
• Perform routine patrols, compliance checks, and enforcement actions to prevent and address violations.
• Issue citations, warnings, or legal notices in accordance with state policies.
• Conduct onsite inspections of farms, processing facilities, livestock auctions, and agricultural businesses.
• Collect evidence, take witness statements, and document findings for case files and legal proceedings.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute violations.
• Ensure compliance with state regulations by providing education and technical assistance to farmers and agricultural businesses.
• Respond to agriculture-related emergencies, including disease outbreaks, food contamination, and natural disasters affecting farms and agribusinesses.
• Assist in animal disease control efforts, including quarantine enforcement and biosecurity monitoring.
• Support law enforcement agencies in recovering stolen livestock, investigating animal cruelty cases, and preventing agricultural fraud.
• Provide education and guidance to farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses on state agricultural regulations and compliance.
• Represent the agency at meetings, agricultural fairs, and industry conferences.
• Prepare detailed reports on inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions.
• Maintain accurate records and case files for compliance monitoring and legal proceedings.
• Assist forestry personnel in fire suppression efforts
• Wildland arson investigations
• Investigate foreign owned agriculture land within the state

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees