License Examiner II

State of Montana • Helena, MT

8h

About The Position

The Montana Department of Agriculture is hiring a Licensing & Registration Specialist to work with multiple program managers on product and license registration and renewals. The position also 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 foster growth in Montana agriculture. The Agricultural Sciences Division administers state laws and rules in areas including pesticides, groundwater monitoring, noxious weed control, feeds, fertilizers, seed, anhydrous ammonia, grain commodity dealers, commodity warehousemen, nurseries, produce, mint, honey bees, and alfalfa leaf cutting bees. The division also provides services such as organic certification, pest management consulting, laboratory analysis, pest surveys, export certification, and quarantines.

The position is generally office-based and sedentary. Work hours are generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, although workload fluctuations may require more than a 40-hour work week. Routine duties may involve light stretching, reaching, twisting, stooping, and bending while working with files and performing office tasks.

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 case by case.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and techniques, applicant licensing methods and techniques for multiple programs, and applicable state and federal laws and licensing requirements.
• Knowledge of pesticide use and pesticide sites to determine necessary licensure categories.
• Ability to recognize when new licensing categories may be needed to meet site specifications.
• Knowledge of applicable state laws, rules, and licensing requirements; this may be provided as part of a training assignment if needed.
• Knowledge of state and agency accounting, recordkeeping, and administrative policies and procedures, as well as business communications and professional document composition.
• Skills in data analysis, including standard statistics and trend analysis, and in preparing professional reports for the agency, legislature, legislative working committees, industry, and the public.
• 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.
• Knowledge of repository database systems and typical office software, including Excel and Word.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently in a self-directed and proactive manner.
• Ability to handle difficult situations with the public.
• Solution-oriented problem-solving ability.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and sensitive time frames while producing high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Confer with, interview, and evaluate applicants, officials, applications, records, and documents to assess licensing eligibility or liability issues.
• Issue licenses to individuals who meet applicable standards.
• Advise licensees, individuals, and groups about licensing, permits, and regulations.
• Prepare reports of activities, evaluations, recommendations, and decisions.
• Report violations of laws or regulations to appropriate personnel, boards, or agencies.
• Prepare correspondence informing concerned parties of licensing decisions or appeals processes.
• Warn violators about infractions or penalties and initiate actions such as license suspension, fines, revocation, or other penalties, as appropriate.
• Participate in developing licensing procedures, policies, and administrative rules.
• Examine financial and legal documents, inspection reports, official statements and certifications, and other relevant licensing documents.
• Train and mentor staff and members of the public on licensing requirements, inspections, and regulations.
• Coordinate licensing investigation and inspection tasks with other agencies and the public.
• Work with multiple program managers on product and license registrations and renewals.
• Work with department staff, Montana State University Extension Service, tribal government representatives, state agencies, other pesticide State Lead Agencies, and federal agencies.

Benefits

• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Possible telework opportunities
• Work/life balance
• Employment with the State of Montana may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time