Pesticide Investigator, Sr. Posting Begin Date: 2025/02/21 Posting End Date: 2025/03/07 Category: Agriculture Sub Category: Natural Resources Work Type: Full Time Location: Pocatello, ID, United States Minimum Salary: 23.18 Maximum Salary: 23.18 Pay Rate Type: Hourly 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 Investigator Senior in the division of Agriculture Resources located in Pocatello, Idaho. The successful candidate will need to obtain a Professional Applicator's License with a Pesticide Consultant's License category and a Chemigation License during the entry probationary period. The ideal candidate must also be able to do the following: work in inclement weather, negotiate rough terrain, stand for lengthy periods of time, and lift at least fifty (50) pounds. Example of Duties Key Responsibilities: + Conduct investigations of damage and alleged misuses and illegal applications of pesticides. + Evaluate the extent of alleged damage to humans, plants, animals, and the environment due to the use of pesticide. + Collect evidence; practice quality assurance and ensure all physical evidence follows a chain of custody. + Review applicator records and analyze data to determine if applicators are in compliance with regulated chemical laws and recommendations. + Prepare fact-finding reports to determine compliance with laws and rules. + May provide depositions and court testimony. + Evaluate and inspect professional and private applicators, dealers, and manufacturers of pesticides for compliance with environmental laws, rules and standards. + Evaluate and inspect irrigation systems used for chemigation to ensure chemicals do not contaminate ground and surface water. + Provide education, training, information, and outreach on pesticide use and chemigation practices. + Provide applicator re-certification training and testing. + Evaluate, inspect, and provide education to agricultural producers and workers and pesticide applicators for compliance with the Worker Protection Standard. + Monitor use of pesticides that endanger protected species. + Promote public awareness of pesticide laws, rules, and standards. + Provide chemical use/risk assessment resources to the public, growers, dealers and manufacturers involving chemigation, endangered species protection, worker protection, and water quality. + Support all other Division programs. + Provide routine reports & administrative documents as required. + Secure and maintain EPA credentialing to conduct FIFRA inspections in the State of Idaho. + Carry out responsibilities outlined in the Department’s Risk Management/Safety Policy. + Conduct other duties as assigned. + A cell phone with an Idaho area code, furnished by the employee, is required for this position and is eligible for reimbursement under the Cell Phone Reimbursement policy. Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: This qualification is a mandatory requirement. + Experience writing narrative reports. Typically gained by one year of experience preparing narrative reports such as business reports, investigative reports, research summaries, etc. Specialty Qualifications: These qualifications are mandatory requirements for this recruitment. + Good knowledge of the use, hazards, and disposal of pesticides. Typically gained by approximately one year of appropriate work experience related to pesticides; OR college, vocational, technical or business school coursework in areas such as agribusiness, animal or crop production, horticulture, or pest management that is equivalent to three credits or a one semester course. + Some knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to pesticides, hazardous materials, and/or environmental issues. Typically gained through approximately one year of work experience in a field such as production agriculture or pest management operations; OR college, vocational or business school coursework in areas such as agribusiness, animal or crop production, agricultural economics, biology, chemistry or horticulture equivalent to three credits or a one semester course. + Experience interviewing, preparing scientific papers, investigative reports and/or written statements. Typically gained by college, vocational, technical or business school coursework in business writing, research writing, writing for professionals, investigative reporting, and investigation documentation equivalent to 3 credits or a one semester course; OR, approximately one year of job experience related to inspecting, investigating or auditing that required writing reports. + With or without a reasonable accommodation, able to pass a baseline medical examination and be physically able to use a respirator for an extended period while handling pesticides or responding to emergency situations involving pesticides. + This position requires a valid driver's license. Supplemental Information Desirable Qualifications: These qualifications are not required; however, if you have the related background, it may increase your score. + Ability to communicate (oral and/or written) using the Spanish language. + A current Professional Applicator’s license with the Statewide Consultant category. + Experience creating and conducting educational presentations. Typically gained by college, vocational or special coursework equivalent to three credits or a one semester course in developing and giving presentations; OR, approximately one year of job experience in developing and giving presentations. + Some knowledge of investigative procedures for damage claims including developing evidence, establishing relationships, determining responsibilities, and conflicts of interest. Typically gained by one or more years of work experience with investigative procedures including developing evidence, establishing relationships, interviewing, crafting investigative reports and/or written statements, determining responsibilities, and conflicts of interest. + Good knowledge of the classification and application of pesticides and fertilizers and the effects pesticides can have on humans, animals, and the environment; scientific research principles and techniques related to chemistry and biology; Integrated Pest Management (IPM), various agricultural crops and ornamental plants; causes of plant damage; and/or sampling protocols and techniques. Typically gained by approximately two (2) years' experience in an agrichemical field which included extensive in-service training in pesticide usage and crop damage causes; OR completed coursework for a Bachelor's degree in an agricultural related field such as Entomology, Agronomy, Soils or Horticulture, Chemistry, Biology or a related scientific field where coursework would relate to the effects of chemicals on humans and the environment; OR completion of 12 credit hours of college coursework in the above named fields or a related scientific field AND approximately one (1) years' experience in a pesticide related field which included extensive in-service training in pesticide usage and plant damage causes. Benefits The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.* *Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions. EEO/ADA/Veteran's Preference The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit 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. The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodation 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 [email protected] . Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. Thank you for your interest in the Department of Agriculture! If you have questions, please contact us at: [email protected] or at (208) 332-8520 Agency Idaho State Department of Agriculture Address 2270 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, ID 83707 Website https://agri.idaho.gov/