Agronomist 1 in Palmer, AK

State of Alaska
Farm Jobs in AlaskaAgronomist JobsAgriculture Sales Jobs

Job Description

The Division of Agriculture, Alaska Plant Materials Center is recruiting for an Agronomist 1 for its seed cleaning and conditioning program. When needed, this position will also assist in the day-to-day operations of the invasive plant and agricultural pest programs.

We are looking for a motivated and career-oriented individual who works well independently as well as on a team!

We offer a beautiful work location in an agricultural setting with beautiful views of Pioneer Peak and the Butte area.

Mission and Culture
The Alaska Plant Materials Center promotes the State’s agriculture industry and provides foundation seed, disease-free seed potatoes, certified seed testing and reclamation/re-vegetation procedures for a wide variety of people, industries, and agencies.

This position will primarily support the seed industry in the areas of seed cleaning and conditioning of foundation seed grown to supply agricultural producers and annual seed sales.

This program helps the Plant Materials Center meet its mission to promote the commercial development of native species.

Core Responsibilities

  • Assist senior staff in implementing methods and procedures for seed conditioning and cleaning.
  • Perform basic literature research to identify uses and application protocols of pesticides.
  • Serve as a point of contact between interested agencies and groups on behalf of the Plant Materials Center’s seed cleaning and conditioning unit.
  • Collect, maintain and analyze program data.
  • Assist in the development and execution of invasive plant and agricultural pest management projects.
  • Encourage and assist invasive plant and agricultural pest program outreach efforts.
  • Work as a member of a team to assist in data collection and support on projects within the Plant Material Center Programs.


Benefits of Joining Our Team
The Plant Materials Center offers a unique environment for employment in beautiful surroundings, working as a team to further the state in the Agriculture industry. We offer a flexible work schedule with the following starting benefit package

  • Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental.
    Retirement programs with a wide variety of investment options.
  • Vacation leave of 2 days per month with an accrual rate increase based on time served
  • 11 paid holidays.


The Working Environment You Can Expect
The work location is on a beautiful 400-acre Agriculture facility in Butte, Alaska. Our mission is to support, develop and promote the state’s agricultural industry. Daily work environment involves working with seed cleaning and conditioning machinery, farm equipment and office work.

We are seeking an individual with the following desired traits and competencies:

  • Background in agricultural plant and soil sciences
  • Knowledge of the seed industry
  • Knowledge of seed cleaning and conditioning machinery
  • Knowledge of general field planting techniques
Minimum Qualifications

EITHER:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a major in agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, plant physiology, crop science, seed technology, botany, plant ecology, plant science, weed science, soil sciences, range management, or greenhouse management;
OR
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in any field that includes or, is supplemented by, at least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, plant physiology, crop science, seed technology, botany, dendrology, plant ecology, plant science, weed science, plant biology, soil sciences, range management, or greenhouse management; and, of which, at least 16 semester (24 quarter) hours are upper division courses;
AND
One year of experience that includes any combination of plant culture work, seed analysis and applied research in support of plant breeding, agriculture, reforestation, and/or soil and water conservation at plant materials centers (e.g., applied research facilities, nurseries, or other production facility).

Substitution:
Graduate study in agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, plant physiology, crop science, seed technology, botany, plant ecology, plant science, weed science, soil sciences, range management, or greenhouse management may substitute for up to 12 months of the requisite experience (3 semester/4 quarter credits = 1 month).

Special Note:
“Upper division courses” means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline’s theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.

Additional Required Information
**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**

THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY
This recruitment is open to Alaska Residents only. Applicants must meet Alaska Residency Requirements to be considered for employment at this time.

At the time of application ,the applicant must attach as individual documents the following items (If unable to attach documents, please fax or email the contact listed below):

  • Cover letter

If selected for an interview the applicant must provide the following:

  • Three current letters of professional recommendation
  • Driver’s license
  • Pesticide Applicator License within one year of hire

SPECIAL NOTICES

  • Some travel (one to three days) for field inspections, seed collections, and aquatic herbicide applications.


Application Notice
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or via a hardcopy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal, such as AlaskaJobs or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to apply successfully. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska “How to Apply” page. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.

Cover Letter
A cover letter is required for this position. The cover letter should highlight your experience as it pertains to the knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and competencies identified above in the job description section of this posting. Your cover letter will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment.

Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online or, if unable to attach to your application, fax or email it to the contact number provided below.

Education
If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of the interview.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post-secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Work Experience
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer’s name, job title, employment dates, and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine whether the responses are supported and whether minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.

Note: Attaching a resume is not an alternative to filling out the application entirely. Noting, “see resume” or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.

Bargaining Unit
If you are a current state employee, please mark the union you are a member of at the time of application. Do not complete this question if you are not a current state employee.

Driver’s License Requirement
Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.

EEO Statement
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) 465-3412 (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact Information

Workplace Alaska Application Questions & Assistance
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to [email protected].

For applicant password assistance, please visit the reset password page.

For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:


Name: Bryan Scoresby
Title: Division Director
Phone: (907-761-3867)
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

  • Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
    • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/programs/index.html for additional information.
      • AVTEC
      • Confidential
      • Correctional Officers
      • Marine Engineers
      • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
      • Supervisory
      • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman’s Union
      • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
    • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
      • General Government
      • Labor, Trades and Crafts
      • Public Safety Employees Association
      • Masters, Mates & Pilots
  • Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits
  • Group-based insurance premiums for
    • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
    • Long-term and short-term disability
    • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
    • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
    • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
  • Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

  • Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS)
  • Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
  • Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
  • Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
  • Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
  • Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options
See http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/retirement/index.html for additional information

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

  • Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
  • Eleven paid holidays a year
  • Gym discounts at participating fitness providers in multiple locations throughout the state.

See http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/ghlb/employee/health/gymListing.html for additional information

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