Address
Form of work
SalaryLocation: Gibson County
Last Day to Apply: Apr 1 , 2024
Business Unit: Regulatory Compliance
Job Family: Agriculture
Job Opening ID: 55946
Job Information
Opening Date/Time
Tue 03/19/2024 12:00AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time
Mon 04/01/2024 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly)
$3,542.00
Salary (Annually)
$42,504.00
Job Type
Full-Time
City, State Location
Milan, TN
Department
Agriculture
State of Tennessee Job Information
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AND INDUSTRY SERVICES DIVISION, GIBSON COUNTY
WORKING TITLE: AG INPUTS FEED SEED AND FERTILIZER INSPECTOR
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a biological, chemical, agricultural science, or related to field including but not limited to Entomology, Plant Pathology, Forestry, Horticulture and Plant Science and experience equivalent to two years of full-time work in one or a combination of the following: (1) the enforcement of environmental pollution laws or regulations, which may include pesticides inspection; feed, seed, and fertilizer inspection; or insect control; (2) the application, manufacture, or sales of commercial pesticides; (3) the inspection or development of laws or regulations for the distribution of agricultural/horticultural plants; (4) professional research or post-secondary education in the agricultural or biological sciences; or (5) the management or supervision of a farm or farming operation primarily engaged in the cultivation of vegetables, fruit, or other horticultural crops.
Substitution of Education for Experience: Additional graduate coursework in a biological, chemical, or agricultural science may be substituted for the required experience, on a year-for-year basis, to a maximum of one year (e.g., an additional 36 graduate quarter hours in one or a combination of the above listed fields may substitute for one year of the required experience).
Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time experience in one or a combination of the following areas may substitute for the required education, on a year for year basis, to a maximum of four years: (1) the enforcement of environmental pollution laws or regulations, which may include pesticides inspection; feed, seed, and fertilizer inspection; or insect control; (2) the application, manufacture, or sales of commercial pesticides; (3) the inspection or development of laws or regulations for the distribution of agricultural/horticultural plants; (4) professional research or post-secondary education in the agricultural or biological sciences; or (5) the management or supervision of a farm or farming operation primarily engaged in the cultivation of vegetables, fruit, or other horticultural crops (e.g., experience equivalent to one year of full-time work in one or a combination of the above listed fields may substitute for one year of the required education).
OR
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree and experience equivalent to three years of full-time work in one or a combination of the following: (1) the enforcement of environmental pollution laws or regulations, which may include pesticides inspection; feed, seed, and fertilizer inspection; or insect control; (2) the application, manufacture, or sales of commercial pesticides; (3) the inspection or development of laws or regulations for the distribution of agricultural/horticultural plants; (4) professional research or post-secondary education in the agricultural or biological sciences; or (5) the management or supervision of a farm or farming operation primarily engaged in the cultivation of vegetables, fruit, or other horticultural crops.
Necessary Special Qualifications: A valid vehicle operator’s license may be required for employment in some positions.
Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.
Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.
Summary
Summary: Under general supervision, performs inspection, investigation, monitoring and enforcement work of average difficulty involving State and Federal pesticides laws and regulations; State and Federal feed, seed, fertilizer, and agricultural lime laws and regulations; and pest control laws and regulations; and performs related work as required.
Distinguishing Features: This is the working level class in the Pesticides inspection sub-series. An employee in this class inspects and monitors the manufacture, distribution, application, product labeling, packaging, storage, sales proceedings and licensing of pesticides. An employee in this class also inspects, samples, and monitors the manufacture and distribution of feed, seed, fertilizer, and agricultural lime products. This class differs from Pesticides Inspector 1, in that an incumbent of the latter functions at the entry level. This class differs from Pesticides Inspector 3 in that an incumbent of the latter functions as an area supervisor.
Responsibilities
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others:
- Explains results of inspection to complainant or entity regulated which may include sample results, violations received/issued, etc.
- Explains State and federal laws and regulations regarding pesticides and feed, seed, fertilizer to industry and general public in order to obtain compliance.
Interacting With Computers:
- Utilizes word processing programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and etc. in preparation of forms and documentation pertinent to the inspection.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material:
- Collects representative sample of feed, seed or fertilizer by using appropriate equipment.
- Visually inspects labels, bins, tanks, product storage practices, etc. at pesticide or feed, seed, fertilizer facilities.
- Checks for appropriate decals on aerial application aircraft, that the pilot is adequately licensed and that the aircraft is in compliance with Homeland Security regulations.
- Reviews application records provided by pest control operator to determine if the pesticide application was made according to label directions.
- Collects samples including plant material, soil, water, swabs, animal carcasses and etc. to determine if product was mixed and applied according to label direction.
Performing General Physical Activities:
- Bends, stoops, kneels, reaches, crawls, climbs as necessary to access areas of inspection.
- Lifts objects of approximately 50 lbs. to inspect or sample as necessary.
- Wears breathing apparatus as necessary (requiring successful completion of respirator fit test).
- May walk extended distances to reach inspection area.
- May spend prolonged periods of time at computer monitor.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment:
- Physically draws graphs, diagrams and maps of a property when questions arise relative to the use or misuse of a pesticide.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work:
- Identifies chartered pest control companies, RUP (Restricted Use Pesticides) dealers, producer establishments, State and federally registered products through queries in the Department's web-based browser system. Some inspections must be conducted by an EPA credentialed Inspector.
- Identifies non-chartered applicators, which includes aerial, private and commercial applicators through the Department's web-based browser system.
- Identifies illegal operators making pesticide application that does not meet State and federal requirements by receiving a complaint, anonymous call, visual observation, etc.
- Sets up a monthly schedule for inspecting facilities after review from supervisor and may make contact with personnel at facility to coordinate a time and date of inspection.
- Reviews the information on file to compare with documents on-site to determine accuracy of employees on staff, physical location, status of insurance and bond, etc.
- Inspections concerning health or environmental related complaints or product recalls are given immediate priority.
- Monthly inspection and sampling requirements of feed, seed, fertilizer and lime facilities are assigned by supervisor to determine if violations of State and federal laws and regulations exist. Some inspections must be conducted by a FDA credentialed Inspector.
Documenting/Recording Information:
- Completes required inspection forms by hard copy or computer for all inspections conducted.
- Records statements from individuals when compiling a case file.
- Maintains chain-of-custody form by recording time, date and identifying sample.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships:
- Represents Department of Agriculture in a professional, consumer-friendly manner in order to provide information as well as provide enforcement of laws, rules and regulations.
Training and Teaching Others:
- Assists less experienced or new employees in daily inspection activities.
Performing Administrative Activities:
- Completes daily travel logs documenting travel time, time of inspection, mileage, etc.
- Enters time and attendance in computer based system by established deadlines.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization:
- Communicates with organizations such as TWRA, EPA, TDEC, etc. on joint efforts concerning pesticide misuse.
- Informs individuals about labelling requirements for feed, seed, and fertilizer.
- Communicates with law enforcement officials when pursuing criminal action against a violator.
- Communicates with manufacturer of products for clarification or interpretation of label information.
- Discusses with individual(s) ways to obtain compliance.
- May make presentations to regulated entities, industry personnel or others on subjects related to pest control or feed, seed, fertilizer issues.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment:
- Keeps equipment in good working order by cleaning, lubricating, storing properly.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment:
- Operates a pick-up truck to facilities, within facilities and inspection sites.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:
- Attends monthly staff meetings.
- Works directly with supervisor(s) in the field at least four times per year.
- Coordinates with other Pesticide Inspectors on large and/or complex inspections.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge:
- Updates SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) with revised inspection procedures.
- Maintains all current laws, rules and regulations related to pesticide and agricultural inputs inspections.
- Attends bi-yearly TDA Inspector training to include EPA PIRT (Pesticide Inspector Residential Training), BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy), EPA PREP (Pesticide Regulatory Education Program) to enhance knowledge and expertise.
- Attends industry provided training pertaining to baiting, application, monitoring, new products, etc.
- Participates in webinars on subjects relevant to job duties.
Competencies
Competencies:
- Dealing with Ambiguity
- Intellectual Horsepower
- Problem Solving
- Informing
- Time Management
- Standing Alone
- Written Communications
- Composure
- Ethics and Values
- Listening
- Patience
- Understanding Others
Knowledge:
- Building and Construction
- Chemistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
Skills:
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Time Management
Abilities:
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Manual Dexterity
- Dynamic Flexibility
- Extent Flexibility
- Stamina
- Static Strength
- Far Vision
Tools & Equipment
- Computer
- Printer
- Respirator
- Sampling Equipment – bags, bottles, etc.
- Measuring Devices
TN Driver Standards
State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:
- A valid driver's license
- For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.
Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.
**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.
