License Examiner II

State of Montana • Helena, MT

20d

About The Position

The Montana Department of Agriculture is hiring a Licensing & Registration Specialist to work with multiple program managers on product and license registrations and renewals. The position works closely with department staff, Montana State University Extension Service, tribal government representatives, state agencies, other pesticide State Lead Agencies, and federal agencies.

The Montana Department of Agriculture operates more than 30 programs, including regulatory programs that protect producers, consumers, and the environment, as well as development and marketing programs that support growth in Montana agriculture. The Agricultural Sciences Division administers state laws and rules covering areas such as pesticides, groundwater monitoring, noxious weed control, feeds, fertilizers, seed, grain commodity dealers, nurseries, and other agricultural services.

The position is based in an office environment and generally works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is generally sedentary, with occasional light stretching, reaching, twisting, stooping, and bending for routine office duties. Workload fluctuations may require workweeks longer than 40 hours.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field.
• Three years of job-related experience in compliance or licensing, procurement and contract administration, or program administration.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and techniques, licensing methods for multiple programs, and applicable state and federal laws and licensing requirements.
• Knowledge of pesticide use and pesticide sites to determine the appropriate licensing categories, and ability to recognize when new categories may be needed.
• Knowledge of applicable state laws, rules, and licensing requirements; this knowledge may be acquired through a training assignment if needed.
• Knowledge of state and agency accounting, recordkeeping, and administrative policies and procedures, as well as business communications.
• Data-analysis skills, including standard statistics and trend analysis, and the ability to prepare professional reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Knowledge of Montana agriculture and of repository database systems and typical office software, such as Excel and Word.
• Attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to work proactively and independently.
• Ability to handle difficult public interactions, solve problems, and manage competing priorities with sensitive deadlines while producing high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Confer with, interview, and evaluate applicants, officials, applications, records, and documents to assess eligibility for licenses and potential liability issues.
• Issue licenses to individuals who meet applicable standards.
• Advise licensees, individuals, and groups about licensing, permits, and regulations.
• Prepare reports on activities, evaluations, recommendations, and decisions.
• Report violations of laws or regulations to appropriate personnel, boards, or agencies.
• Prepare correspondence communicating licensing decisions and appeal processes.
• Warn violators of infractions or penalties and initiate actions such as license suspension, fines, revocation, or other penalties when appropriate.
• Participate in developing licensing procedures, policies, and administrative rules.
• Examine financial and legal documents, inspection reports, official statements, certifications, and other materials relevant to licensing.
• Train and mentor staff and members of the public on licensing requirements, inspections, and regulations.
• Coordinate licensing investigations and inspection tasks with other agencies and the public.

Benefits

• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility may be available through State of Montana employment
• Possible telework opportunities
• Work/life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level