Seasonal AGRICULTURAL INSPECTOR II (State Chemist Section) in Annapolis, MD 21401
Job Description
Introduction
The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland’s Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health , consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continue to expand and grow.
The State Chemist Section regulates the sale and distribution of products to enhance and promote agricultural production, protect consumers, animals and the environment from unsafe products, and provide the regulated industry with a competitive marketplace.
The work is to be performed in SOUTHERN MARYLAND REGION!
GRADE
ASTD12
LOCATION OF POSITION
Southern Maryland Region – Calvert County, MD
Employees will be assigned a state vehicle and inspection equipment to perform their duties. In addition to conducting inspections in the assigned region, will make routine trips to headquarters in Annapolis for training, meetings and other purposes determined by the program.
Main Purpose of Job
Inspections, sampling, education and investigations are conducted in support of the Program’s statutory and regulatory authority. Sampling for the USDA PDP cooperative agreement is conducted. The area of coverage will be the Southern Region of the state of Maryland.
POSITION DUTIES
Inspectional Duties.
Conducts inspections of sites that manufacture, offer for retail, offer for wholesale, distribute or store animal feeds, feed ingredients, pet foods, specialty pet foods, pesticides, fertilizers, fertilizer pesticide combination products, soil conditioners (amendments), liming materials and compost. Performs proper sampling according to established guidelines, for example, AOAC, AAFCO, AAPFCO, Good Samples, etc. Prepares sampling documents accurately to reflect the entire label. Accurately completes sampling form for proper chain of custody of samples.
Enforcement Duties.
Performs label review, either in the field or in office for compliance to State of Maryland and Federal laws. Reviews product(s) in the field to determine if product(s) are registered. Irises field stop sale notices if the product is in violation according to the Annotated Code of Maryland and the appropriate sections of COMAR.
PDP Cooperative Agreement Duties.
Conducts Sampling for the USDA PDP cooperative agreement. Prepares samples for shipping to the appropriate designated laboratory. Maintains supplies inventory used for the PDP sampling program. Inputs sampling information into the PDP database accurately.
Safety.
Performs all duties required by the position in a safe manner, monitors the state issues van and work area for any potential safety hazards. Reports safety issues that arise to the immediate supervisor and makes recommendations to maintain a safe work environment. Ensures that the issued PPE is in proper working order and is not damaged. Is knowledgeable in the use of PPE in the inspectional work environment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Experience: Two years of experience in one of the following: production, processing, marketing, grading or inspection of agricultural products or chemicals; assisting veterinarians in care and management of animals; animal disease control; care or management of livestock or inspecting veterinary hospitals, riding stables or livestock dealers; installation, inspection, repair, or testing of weighting, volumetric measuring or counting devices; inspecting labeling and packaging; pesticide sales, use, regulation, or application; production, maintenance or inspection of a tree plantation or nursery stock; pest or weed control; wildlife population censuring; or the production, sales, inspection or testing of seed or turf products. Notes:
1. Applicants may substitute fifteen credit hours in agriculture; animal, biological, environmental, food or physical sciences; chemistry; mathematics; engineering, or law enforcement at an accredited college or university for each year of experience for up to two years of experience.
2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience non-commissioned officer in quality assurance, inspection and grading classification or quality assurance, inspection and grading specialty codes in the agricultural commodity grading field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ability to lift 50 or more pounds
The ability to climb up and down a ladder
1 year of experience communicating in writing and speaking with the public.
1 year of experience conducting inspections, collecting samples, taking regulatory action and resolving complaints.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator licenses valid in the State of Maryland.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Employees in this classification may be assigned to any county or region of the State and may be required to establish residence within their assigned geographic area.
Employees will work in conditions that may be dusty, hot, cold and may have offensive odors. Work may involve exposure to hazardous conditions which may result in injury. Protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, masks, hard hats and other personal protective equipment will be issued by the department.
This position will involve duties that require physical demands such as lifting 50 pounds or more, climbing ladders, etc. Examples of these physical demands include but are not limited to moving product around, sampling from the top of a rail car, sampling from the top of a loaded truck.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates may be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.
For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
Your application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you detail all experience and education related to this position completely and accurately.
BENEFITS
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Maryland Department of Agriculture Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.
Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application. If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application. If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831). All paper applications must be received by the closing date, no exceptions. (Postmarks not accepted.)
If you are having difficulty with your user account, need to make adjustments to a submitted application or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division
Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Courtney Blackistone at courtney.blackistone1@maryland.gov.
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the States diversity.