Ag Inputs - Assistant Division Director

We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership.

         The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

         The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This position is located within the Agricultural Inputs Division of the GDA.

         The Ag Inputs Division is composed of seven regulatory programs: feed, fertilizer, horticultural growing media, lime, pesticides, seed, and soil amendments.

         Each program has specific rules and regulations to follow.

         The Ag Inputs Division employs inspectors, who conduct inspections of facilities holding, manufacturing, and distributing products under this scope as well as collect samples of these products analyzed for quality and safety.

         This position assists in administering the Agricultural Inputs Division, which is responsible for working with Georgia's businesses and regulations as they relate to animal feed, seed, fertilizer, lime, horticultural growing media, soil amendments, and pesticides.

         This position will assist in providing leadership, managing direct subordinate staff, and assisting in the development of policies and procedures.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties of this position include but are not limited to:

1. 1. Assist with the development of policies and procedures.
      1. Reviews and evaluates current and proposed State and Federal laws and regulations that may affect state animal feed, seed, fertilizer, lime, horticultural growing media, soil amendments, and pesticide programs including making appropriate recommendations for rule changes, program guidelines, and methods of enforcement needed.

      2. Assist in the development of new methods, policies, and procedures to further program goals.

      3. Work on projects as requested by the GDA Leadership including compiling data from other States to help develop guidance documents.

      4. Accurately interprets applicable agriculture laws and regulations while responding promptly.  Advises inspectors and stakeholders on technical issues.

      5. Works with policy advisors to assess potential bills and or legislation that may affect current operations, interpretations, etc.

      6. Works with the communication team to ensure appropriate & accurate information is relayed.

   2. Administrative duties

1. 1. 1. Assists with projects related to Ag Inputs and/or the Department mission.

      2. Receives and responds to inquiries by phone, e-mail, and in-person that concern the Agricultural Inputs Division and handles these inquiries politely and professionally.

      3. Imposes adverse actions against facilities or individuals who have violated rules and regulations.

      4. Works cooperatively with other Divisions towards a common goal and mission.

      5. Advises GDA Leadership of problems and/or trends.

      6. Engages in outreach activities and attends educational training courses.

      7. Willingness to travel and actively engage and participate in meetings/workgroups with association groups, industry groups, academia, and other initiatives.

      8. Plans, develops, and presents relevant material to various consumers, industry, regulatory, and other organizations as requested cohesively.

      9. Participates in training seminars and workshops.

      10. Works independently and ensures timely, accurate, and regular communication between employees, management, and stakeholders.

      11. Coordinates and solves problems, schedules, and implements various aspects of the program.

Other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• • Three years of professional experience in the agriculture field.

  • Working knowledge of two or more of the following practices: animal feed, seed, fertilizer, lime, horticultural growing media, soil amendments, and pesticides.

  • Familiar with agricultural laws and procedures and experience issuing enforcement.

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory employment verification results, background, criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY:  Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers.

         Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to this office's large volume of submissions, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided.  Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process.  Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

Please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615 if you need accommodation.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *