Noxious Weed Specialist

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is seeking a Noxious Weed Specialist. Our mission is to serve, advocate, protect and promote agriculture to benefit everyone. We support agriculture by embracing diversity, innovation, research and trade. We offer competitive employee benefits package, including a fully paid family health insurance plan, paid leave, paid holidays, retirement plan, and flexible work schedule.
Salary: $4,200 - $5,000 per month
As a Noxious Weed Specialist, you will be part of our Plant Industries Division. The tasks performed by the successful candidate will include:

• Determine funding allocations and distribute state cost-share funding for the integrated management of Noxious Weeds.
• Develop and manage federal and non-federal grants and associated subcontracts.
• Assist with the promotion of integrated weed management through the use of biological control agents.
• Assist partners with compliance and enforcement of the Noxious Weed act, conduct complaint or quarantine inspections, and maintain the state Noxious Weed list.
• Conduct education and provide technical assistance for the proper identification, prevention, detection, and control of Noxious Weeds.
• Facilitate the export of plant and plant products by providing export certification services.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including other state, county and federal agencies.
• Coordinate inspections and contractors for weed-seed free inspections of forage and straw.
• Assist in other Plant Industry Division programs.

In-state and out-of-state travel is required; some overnight and weekend travel as requested. Must be willing to work occasional weekends and evenings.
While this position reports to the Plant Industry Division Director, it will support the Commissioner in coordination with the Plant Industry Division. Because much of the work requires an onsite presence, this position is based in Bismarck at our Ag West location.
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, biology, crop and soil science, natural or physical science, natural resources management, plant science, weed science, or a closely related field and one year of work experience related to the position's duties.
• Additional work experience related to the position's duties may substitute for up to two years of the education requirement on a year for year basis.
• A master's degree in a closely related field to the position's program responsibility area may substitute for the work experience requirement.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and through public speaking and presentations.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Routinely working outdoors in extreme weather, walking rough terrain, and lifting up to 50 pounds is required to perform the duties of this position.
• Requires a valid class D driver's license for in-state travel to project locations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work experience in weed identification and management.
• Work experience dealing with federal, state, or local weed control programs.
• Knowledge of the weed control industry.
• Knowledge of North Dakota agriculture, including major pesticides used for weed control.
• Knowledge of requirements or steps to be certified as a commercial pesticide applicator.
• Work experience conducting outreach activities and providing education to various audiences.
• Experience working with GPS.
• USDA APHIS Authorized Certification Official (ACO) or ability to be certified.

Application Procedures:
Applicants must complete the online application at www.nd.gov/careers before the closing date by 11:59 PM, including a resume, cover letter and college transcript(s) (official or unofficial). The cover letter must include a detailed summary of how your education, work experience, and skills qualify you for this position.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorships will not be considered.
For more information about the position or if you need accommodation or assistance in the application or interview process, contact Shelley Theisen at (701) 328-4757 or 1-800-242-7535.
About Team ND
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Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.