Case Review Officer (Administrative Assistant II)

Job Description

IDALS seeks to fill the position of Administrative Assistant 2 in the Pesticide Bureau . The Pesticide Bureau facilitates the judicious use of pesticides through state regulatory programs and education in order to protect human health and the environment. The purpose of this position is to complete timely case reviews for the IDALS Pesticide Bureau Enforcement Program. This is a full-time position working in Des Moines at the Henry A. Wallace Building. See selective requirements. Duties: Pesticide Misuse/Use Investigations. Case Review.

• Independently conducts comprehensive reviews and analyzes enforcement cases for actions, as well as completeness of pesticide investigators’ documentation. Independently identify appropriate enforcement action and prepare comprehensive written violative profile, including signed written notices of warning, so that these cases are ready for mailing when they are turned over to the bureau chief for Department final approval.
• Notify investigators of any documentative inadequacies based upon cursory review of the case. Identifies if the case does not meet case review goals or objectives. Determine upon a case-by-case basis what additional evidence may be needed to initiate an enforcement action. Provide technical, administrative and regulatory backup to field staff regarding investigations and miscellaneous bureau policies via telephone, one-on-one and group discussions.
• Prepare detailed written violative profile for cases showing breaches of FIFRA or Chapter 206 “Pesticides” Code of Iowa and present these to the bureau chief for civil penalty action, referral to Region VII EPA for enforcement action or to a county attorney for prosecution under criminal penalties.
• Compose and sign written notices of warning for completed cases determined to have violations of Chapter 206 “Pesticides” Code of Iowa documented in investigative reports for the final review and approval. Respond to public writing or calls that debate violations cited in written notices of warning. Clarify and maintain the regulatory position of the department.
• Recognize potential hazards, unusual circumstances, matters of a sensitive or controversial nature as well as investigative problems so that these matters are brought to the attention of the bureau chief in a timely manner. Formulate recommendations for solution of these situations identified.
• Maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of the handling, distribution and use of pesticides in Iowa to include an extensive understanding of Chapter 206 “Pesticides” Code of Iowa and related rules found in Title 21 Chapters 44 and 45 of the Iowa Administrative Code and a basic knowledge of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and related Code of Federal Regulations. Independently review investigators’ reports and case documentation for completeness, integrity of documentation and adherence to EPA and state standards and procedures.
• Ensure information disseminated are consistent with the views and policies of the chief of the bureau and the department.
• Responsible for maintaining confidential//case-sensitive information
  
  

Perform Duties for the Pesticide Bureau and Lead Compliance Training.

• Serves as a Department representative on the special committee, the Commercial Pesticide Applicator Peer Review Panel.
• Performs general administrative duties in areas such as planning and other related matters so that the work of the field, laboratory and office staff is coordinated and completed in a timely manner.
• Review investigative policies and procedures to determine the need for program or policy development or improvements. Recommend implementation strategies to the bureau chief.
• Formulate solutions for personnel or work-flow problems and coordinate their implementation upon approval of the bureau chief.
• Conduct training sessions with field staff on the topics of case file development. Work with people on a one-on-one basis to introduce and demonstrate new concepts in investigative case development. Review and act upon comments, suggestions and concerns of individuals to ensure peak efficiency of staff.
• Responsible for representing enforcement policies on EPA webinars and at web conferences related to pesticide use compliance.
• Compose informational materials relative to department policy and regulations, enforcement priorities and other related subjects for distribution to the public, licensees or staff.
• Answer non-routine correspondence from public regarding bureau’s activities.
• Provide both oral and written interpretation of existing state and federal pesticide regulations, program objectives and applications of policies and procedures to specific situations. Assists in the development and implementation of subsequent enforcement activities.
  
  

Pesticide Applicator and Dealer Record Inspection. Case Review.

• Independently reviews and analyzes applicator and dealer records inspections. Initiate and follow through with the appropriate enforcement action.
• Respond to public writing or calls that debate violations cited in written notices of warning. Clarify and maintain the regulatory position of the department.
• Coordinate and monitor the miscellaneous inspection and enforcement activities of the bureau so that timely enforcement actions may be initiated in order to accurately determine the effectiveness of program priorities and compliance with contracted grant output goals.
• Ensure information disseminated are consistent with the views and policies of the chief of the bureau and the department.
• Provide assistance to bureau chief in completing special projects related to pesticide program as requested.
• As directed by bureau chief, perform research of pesticide law, regulation and policies.
• As directed by bureau chief, compile data and prepare reports regarding initiated and completed enforcement actions.
  
  

Experimental Use Permit and Worker Protection Inspections. Case Review.

• Independently reviews and analyzes Experimental Use Permit (EUP) monitors and Worker Protection Standard (WPS) inspections to determine conformity and initiate enforcement actions when necessary.
• Maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of the handling, distribution and use of pesticides in Iowa to include an extensive understanding of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and related Code of Federal Regulations.
• Independently review investigators’ reports and case documentation for completeness, integrity of documentation and adherence to EPA and state standards and procedures.
• Ensure information disseminated are consistent with the views and policies of the chief of the bureau and the department.
• Provide assistance to bureau chief in completing special projects related to pesticide program as requested.
• As directed by bureau chief, perform research of pesticide law, regulation and policies.
• As directed by bureau chief, compile data and prepare reports regarding initiated and completed enforcement actions.
  
  

Pesticide Establishment Inspections. File Preparation.

• Compile original case documentation in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Communicate with U.S. EPA on transmission and follow-up questions pertaining to establishment inspections.
• Provide assistance to bureau chief in completing special projects related to pesticide program as requested.
• As directed by bureau chief, perform research of pesticide law, regulation and policies.
• As directed by bureau chief, compile data and prepare reports regarding initiated and completed enforcement actions.
  
  

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in any field, and experience equal to one year of full-time administrative support (e.g., screening visitors and callers; opening/distributing mail, typing/proofing documents, letters, and reports; organizing files; scheduling meetings/appointments; arranging travel; processing travel claims; ordering supplies/equipment) or technical support work (e.g., determining budget, personnel, and equipment needs; compiling/evaluating statistical, historical, economic, business, financial or technical program data; interpreting or securing compliance with laws, rules and regulations; reviewing operating records/reports and evaluating their effectiveness).
• A total of five years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one) where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 12 months of full-time work as an Administrative Assistant 1.
  
  

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description .