Description

"Serving consumers and agriculture by safeguarding the public, plants, animals and the environment through promotion, education and regulation."

The Idaho Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an Agriculture Program Specialist, Invasive Species, in the Plant Division in Post Falls.

Apply Today!

Key Responsibilities:

Primary area of focus is on the Invasive Species program, with additional duties in the Noxious Weeds program, depending on workload demands.

• Plan, implement, evaluate, and coordinate Invasive Species program activities for assigned region.
• Manage agency operated watercraft inspection stations, and oversee contract watercraft inspection stations, including troubleshooting and training.
• Perform watercraft inspections for invasive species, operate equipment to perform decontamination of invasive species fouled watercraft.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements. Ability to communicate effects of changes in laws, rules, and regulations.
• Use knowledge of GIS mapping and data collection to measure project effectiveness.
• Assist with statewide mapping and data coordination program for use in tracking, evaluating, and reviewing the effectiveness of programs.
• Oversee watercraft inspection stations including troubleshooting and training.
• Conduct invasive species survey (aquatic and terrestrial invasive species).
• Manage, maintain, and distribute program equipment.
• Compile and analyze data and information to identify program and service needs and available resources
• Primary contact for the invasive species program with clients outside the agency in the assigned area.
• Provide consultation on problem identification and resolution
• Respond to inquiries
• Assess training needs and develop and present training programs for service providers and clients
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• • Reviewing laws, regulations, policies and/or procedures for compliance or explaining to others how they apply to specific situations
  • • Typically gained by one (1) year of experience reviewing for compliance or explaining how they apply to specific situations.
  • Developing written technical reports or correspondence evaluating agricultural, science or business-related issues
  • • Typically gained by two (2) years' experience writing evaluative activity reports, technical papers, or regulatory correspondence related to agriculture or science.
  • Planning or providing agriculture program service
  • • Typically gained by two (2) years experience planning or providing agricultural program services and completion of the coursework for a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences, or a related agricultural or scientific field; OR six (6) years experience planning or providing agricultural program services; OR completion of a Master's degree in the listed areas with a related internship; OR some combination of education and experience in the listed areas.

  Specialty Qualifications: These qualifications are mandatory requirements.

  • Considerable knowledge of Invasive Species
  • • Typically obtained by completing requirements for a four-year degree in botany, range management, plant science, agronomy or other related areas, including at least six (6) upper division credits directly related to invasive species, noxious weeds, or pest management; OR completion of requirements for a Master's degree in Plant Science, Botany, or other closely related fields with an emphasis on invasive species, noxious weeds, or pest management; OR at least four (4) years of work experience in identifying and researching control methods for a wide range of invasive species, noxious weeds, or pests, including the use of integrated weed or pest management methods; OR some combination of education or experience in the listed areas.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license
  • • Proof of a valid DL must be shown on your first day.
  • Experience developing and making oral presentations before groups
  • • This is typically gained by approximately one year of experience creating and giving presentations for public meetings; topics may be informational, persuasive or technical.
  • With or without a reasonable accommodation, the ability to stand, swim and work in very cold water for eight or more hours per shift, lift and move material weighing up to 60 pounds, climb on and off transport trucks, and work in all types of weather conditions.

  BENEFITS:

  BEST RETIREMENT AVAILABLE IN THE NATION

  We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit.

  OTHER EXCELLENT BENEFITS

  • Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start
  • 11 paid holidays a year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Multiple retirement savings plans, optional 401K, and optional 457
  • Basic life insurance for employee and family (employee covered at one times annual salary; spouse covered at $10,000; child covered at $5,000)
  • Ongoing training opportunities
  • An opportunity for student loan forgiveness

  EEO/ADA/Veteran's Preference

  The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

  Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

  The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities; auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

  Thank you for your interest in the Department of Agriculture!

  If you have questions,
  please contact us at:
  jobs@isda.idaho.gov or at (208) 332-8520