Plant Health Regulatory Specialist

This posting will be used to fill two (2) vacancies. One position will be filled in each of the following locations:

• This position will be located in the Northwest Region of Minnesota.  This region stretches northwest from Kittson County, southwest to Traverse County, northeast to Lake of the Woods County and southeast to Stearns County.  Ideal candidates will live in cities near Alexandria, Fergus Falls, Wadena, St. Cloud or Little Falls.
• This position will be located in the Northeast Region of Minnesota. This region stretches northwest from Koochiching County, to southwest to Stearns County, southeast to Chisago County, and northeast to Cook County. Ideal candidates will live near Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Aitkin, St. Cloud or Little Falls.

These positions will implement and enforce Minnesota Statute Chapters 18G (Plant Protection & Export Certification) and 18H (Nursery Law) and assist with enforcement of Federal Plant Protection statutes and quarantines as well as the rules and policies of the Plant Protection Division, to protect Minnesota agriculture and the environment. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Developing and maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of a broad range of plants, insects and diseases, as well as state and federal plant protection regulations to conduct pest surveys and Inspections at a broad range of sites. The majority of the work is conducted at nurseries, but may include agricultural fields, orchards, and forests 
• Responding to pest introductions, enforcing plant pest regulations and serving as a field representative for the department regarding plant pests. 
• Inspecting nursery stock grown and/or sold in Minnesota for plant pest and diseases to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and certify it for movement and sale in Minnesota and other states. 
• Assisting with investigations of potential violations of plant protection regulations by businesses or individuals in order to correct any violations and protect Minnesota’s agricultural and environmental resources. 
• Inspecting non-nursery sites, mills, firewood dealers, holiday greenery sales sites and other sites handling plant or plant products to ensure freedom from insects or disease and/or compliance with plant protection regulations. 

These positions are considered remote worker positions which is defined as, an employee who, as a condition of their appointment, has their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, works permanently from that location, and does not have an agency permanent/principal work location. Currently the MDA does not allow remote work locations outside of the State of Minnesota. For more information refer to HR/LR Policy #1447 Remote Worker Policy: https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1447-remoteworker.pdf

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

A bachelor's degree in plant pathology, horticulture, entomology, agronomy, weed science or closely related field. 

OR

One year of experience in plant health management, tree or plant health diagnostics, invasive species management or regulatory work in an agricultural or environmental program.

Additional experience required of all candidates includes:

• Ability to identify plants and plant pest (insects) and diseases.
• An understanding of insect and disease biology and the host plants they impact to identify them during inspections. 
• Knowledge and ability to collect official samples of plant material or associated articles that may be infested or contaminated with regulated or quarantine pests of concern.
• The incumbent must be able to read maps and GPS/GIS files sufficient to plan and efficiently travel to fields and inspection sites within assigned work areas.
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
• Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.

Preferred Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in plant pathology, horticulture, entomology, agronomy, weed science or closely related field. 

A working knowledge of state statutes, their rules and regulations.

The ability to understand and correctly interpret applicable state and federal regulatory statutes regulations, and guidelines and accurately answer questions from regulated clientele about them.

The ability to communicate orally and in writing as a nursery program subject matter expert to diverse audiences including technical personnel, citizens, nursery growers, dealers, industry representatives and other regulatory officials.

The ability to distinguish and identify regulated, quarantine or actionable plant pests, diseases and issue stop sales orders or order proper control or disposal methods.

A knowledge of horticultural practice and terminology.

Experience conducting nursery inspections.

Experience working in the horticultural industry as a plant health specialist, greenhouse manager, head grower, nursery manager, arborist or nurseryman.

Physical Requirements

This position is physically demanding and may include the following. The ability to perform all physical duties listed below is required:

• Extensive driving—driving distances may average or exceed 150 miles per day.
• Frequent stopping and exit/entry of vehicle along or near major roads.
• Survey work requiring long periods of walking and climbing in fields, ditches, and wooded areas.
• Kneeling/squatting/bending for long periods of time.
• Working with a variety of tools including knives and saws.
• Felling and disposing of trees requiring the physical strength to fell and dismember a tree with a handsaw, as well as the strength to lift and drag tree parts weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Working around and in dust and mud.
• Working in inclement weather, in extreme temperatures and around insects.