Director, Regulatory And Environmental Affairs

Job Title: Director, Regulatory and Environmental Affairs
Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs
Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston WV
FLSA Status: Exempt
Nature of Work:
Under the administrative direction of the Commissioner of Agriculture and his designee, the Director, Regulatory and Environmental Affairs' scope of responsibility includes the regulation of the Department stipulated in West Virginia Code Chapter 19 and State Code of Rules and Regulations Series 61. This will include the collection and dissemination of information related to food, agricultural materials, and the environment. The Director, Regulatory and Environmental Affairs disseminates information related to all aspects of agriculture in the state to implement the necessary actions to maintain compliance of all state and federal rules and regulations. Other areas of responsibility include planning operations and developing procedures for the Division; directing the work of employees; developing employees through training; evaluating Division operations; developing budget needs; researching new procedures, technologies and facilities to stay abreast of current developments; designing research efforts, and raising public awareness of the Department of Agriculture's role in assuring a safe environment.
Examples of Work:

• Serves as the primary contact for Department with the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as other state and federal organizations on issues related to human and animal food, agricultural materials, and the environment.
• Answers questions from the public regarding a myriad of circumstances involving the regulation of agriculture in the state of West Virginia.
• Provides assistance in writing grant proposals, congressional spending requests, contracts, and scientific publications.
• Assists in drafting of legislation and rules related to regulatory programs.
• Prepares various other grant applications and administers in accordance with the agreement.
• Handle personnel related matters in the division.
• Attends meetings, training, and outreach events hosted by the division and the department.
• Reviews all compliance related matters in the division.
• Manages staff and assists in providing professional development and safety training opportunities.
• Attends hearings and offers testimony.
• Meets with various partnering agencies and universities to further collaboration.
• Seeks funding opportunities and facilitates brainstorming strategies for creative solutions.
• Develops budgets and assists with planning and acquisition of large purchases.
• Monitor agency operations and ensure employees and business practices comply with REGULATORY and legal requirements.
• Meets with various partnering agencies and universities.
• Works with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the public to develop contracts, agreements, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and other obligating documents for the Commissioner to commit resources of the department.
• Review weekly time and attendance reports, leave requests, expense accounts, and activity reports.
• Oversees and directs the monthly tracking of grant activities and budgets.
• Participates in the Safety Committee work for both the field and laboratory sections.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull and handle objects and capable of lifting up to 50 pounds. Employment may require working with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals such as disinfectants, acids, bases, mutagens, teratogens, and solvents; hot liquids, steam, and hot solid surfaces capable of burns; and warm, humid conditions can be found in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment is supplied to laboratory staff. Some jobs require employees to be exposed to unpleasant odors. Extensive in-state and occasional out-of-state travel. Non-standard work days/weeks which may include evenings and weekends.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of all federal and state laws, rules and regulations pertaining to agriculture regulations under the responsibility and authority of the department.
• Ability to create and maintain effective and professional relationships for the Department.
• Ability to make observations, record and analyze data to provide professional suggestions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with other government officials, employees and the public.
• Ability to effectively organize division operations.
• Ability to supervise employees effectively.
• Ability to use a computer and various programs/software including the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness to complete any training necessary to become proficient in all areas of responsibility.

Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in agriculture, environmental science, chemistry, or a related science.
Experience: Ten years of professional experience in agriculture, environmental science, chemistry, or related fields.
Additional Requirements:

• Valid Driver's License.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.
West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.