PLANT & PESTICIDE SPECIALIST I - AG PRODUCT INSPECTION (ST. CLAIR CO.)

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

10d•$5,618 - $7,786

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Agriculture administers the Illinois Fertilizer Act, the Illinois Commercial Feed Act, the Illinois Soil Amendment Act, the Illinois Seed Act, and the Illinois Seed Arbitration Act. Through the licensing of manufacturers and distributors of agricultural inputs, the registration of products, the inspection of facilities and the testing of samples, the Department acts as a consumer protection agency for purchasers of fertilizer, feed, soil amendments and seed. The Plant and Pesticide Specialist position serves as frontline regulator in the Bureau of Ag Products Inspection. The successful candidate will perform inspections of feed mills and anhydrous ammonia storage facilities, collect samples of feed, seed, and fertilizer products, and investigate feed complaints and anhydrous ammonia releases to ensure compliance with State laws and regulations. This position offers excellent beginning salary and benefits. We welcome interested and qualified applicants to apply. The Illinois Department of Agriculture administers an annual budget of approximately $200 million and employs more than 400 people statewide, with several hundred more seasonal employees hired during the summer to support the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair. Separate bureaus administer programs and services directed at conserving the State's land and water resources; protecting the health and welfare of livestock and companion animals; overseeing state and county fairs; regulating seed, feed, and fertilizer products; ensuring the financial stability of grain dealers and warehouses; promoting Illinois food and agricultural products; and operating the State's horse racing programs. AGR values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, preferably with major courses in entomology, horticulture, botany, agronomy animal nutrition or related fields.
Requires six months' professional experience in a related field or successful completion of an approved training program.
Candidates engaged in seed inspections/investigations require ability to obtain a USDA seed investigator license.
Candidates engaged in feed inspections/investigations requires ability to be commissioned by the FDA.
Requires completion of a name-based background screening and self-disclosure of criminal history.
Requires the ability to successfully pass a preemployment physical.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties and be on travel status when instructed. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license. Overnight travel may be required. Requires the ability to drive for long periods of time.
Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
This position is considered heavy work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(d)). Heavy work involves lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting orcarrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Requires the ability to maintain state issued equipment such as a laptop.
Requires ability to climb, work in environments with dust, work outside during all seasons, and handle products such as agri-fertilizers, chemicals, and animal drugs. Requires ability to wear protective equipment (respirators, protective clothing, etc.)
This position requires residency in one of the following: St. Clair, Madison, Clinton, Washington, Randolph and Monroe counties.

Nice To Haves

Prefers thorough knowledge of the effects of pesticides and fertilizers on plants, the environment, and beneficial insects.
Prefers working knowledge of industry practices and methods related to fertilizer, seed stock and medicated feeds
Prefers experience establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with associates and the general public.
Prefers experience compiling reports and maintaining records
Prefers extensive knowledge in utilizing a keyboard and computer to generate inspection reports and forms

Responsibilities

Inspects Anhydrous ammonia storage and manufacturing facilities annually for compliance with all rules and regulations.
Secures samples of feed products from feed retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers.
Reviews labels of seed products for compliance with State and Federal statutes.
Obtains samples of fertilizer products.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.