Pesticide and Fertilizer – Compliance Inspector

Overview

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

This position will remain posted until filled.

Location: Candidates must live in or around the following counties in Kansas or be willing to relocate to the assigned area: Stafford, Pratt, Barber, Pawnee, Edwards, Kiowa, Comanche, Hodgeman, Ford, Clark, Meade.

The territory for this position will be located in the Southest-central portion of the state and the applicant must live in the assigned territory.

This position is a home-based position. The applicant that is selected for this position will start each workday from his/her home.

Job Summary:

This position serves as an Environmental Compliance Regulatory Specialist / Compliance Inspector for the Pesticide and Fertilizer Program. The Pesticide and Fertilizer Program also maintains primacy for enforcement of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

Below are some of the responsibilities that the Environmental Compliance Regulatory Specialist / Compliance Inspector are responsible for:

Inspections, Complaint Investigation, and Enforcement.  This employee is responsible for conducting inspections as negotiated with EPA, including, but not limited to, marketplace inspections, dealer inspections, recordkeeping inspections, and producer establishment inspections. This employee also conducts investigations of pesticide use and misuse which may involve damages to animals, plants, wildlife, persons, property, and water resources.  As such, this employee interacts with the general public and industry members, makes observations, evaluates causes of the alleged damage, collects samples, documents findings, and provides assistance as needed when enforcement actions are taken by the agency.

Monitoring Inspections and Compliance Assistance. This employee performs monitoring inspections and provides compliance assistance to the regulated public including landowners, operators, both private and commercial applicators, dealers, and the pesticide industry as a whole.  This employee is responsible for conducting chemigation inspections and inspects all facilities and equipment used to store and distribute anhydrous ammonia used for agricultural purposes. This employee conducts inspections of custom blending fertilizer operations, conducts inspections of pesticide and fertilizer facilities which includes the review and evaluation of mixing/loading areas, containment, and storage areas. This employee collects samples and conducts follow-up activities as needed, and communicates the results of inspections to the regulated public.

Technical Assistance, Communication, and Outreach Education. This employee provides technical and regulatory information, including explaining laws and policies to the general public, members of industry, Program personnel, other KDA staff, and other state agencies. This employee also reviews / assists with developing materials and handouts for the general public and the Program’s website; and reviews / assists in developing training materials for staff meetings or other meetings / presentations.  This employee represents the Pesticide and Fertilizer Program in various meetings and may serve as a trainer / presenter in both internal and external meetings. This employee proctors certification examinations, monitors recertification training programs, and provides information during recertification training programs, as assigned.

This position may be called upon to perform other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in biological/ecological sciences, environmental/agricultural science, or natural sciences/resources.
Exceptional people skills are necessary and the employee should be highly proficient in written and oral communications.
This position requires the physical dexterity that permits standing, kneeling, bending, and stretching, and climbing up and down steps, lifting objects and traversing slippery/uneven surfaces.
This position must perform routine office tasks such as sitting, reading, examining documents, and viewing a computer for long periods of time.
This position must be able to traverse non-uniform terrain while carrying equipment and/or samples and capable of working outdoors during different seasons of the year.
The incumbent will need to be able to obtain federal credentials from the Environmental Protection Agency within the first two years of employment.
Employee is required have a valid Class C (or higher) Kansas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state. Employee is responsible to maintain an acceptable driving record to safely drive state vehicle and be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.
Preferred Requirement (Not Required):

A Master of Science in the biological/ecological sciences, especially in the disciplines of agronomy, entomology, horticulture or weed science, is preferred.
Knowledge of relevant state and federal statutes, regulations, and policies is preferred.
Knowledge of the pesticide industry, the fertilizer industry, and common agricultural practices is preferred.

Compensation:

Annual Salary Range: $43,000 to $46,500 Per Year
Hourly Pay Range: $20.67 to $22.36 Per Hour

Employment Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
Sick & Vacation leave
Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
Fitness Centers in select locations
Employee discounts with the STAR Program
Retirement and deferred compensation programs