NH3, Waste Pesticide and Chemigation Specialist

This position will be located in Fergus Falls, Glenwood, St. Cloud, Lamberton, Staples or Detroit Lakes and may have the option to telework.

This position will work with the Facility Management Unit Supervisor in administering the Waste Pesticide Collection program. This position exists to provide assistance in the oversight for the Waste Pesticide Collection Program and Empty Pesticide Container Recycling program activities; to coordinate MDA sponsored collections; ensure accuracy of program databases and contractor and county cooperator invoice reviews, county billing and reimbursement functions; develop and perform education & training, including reduction initiatives; participate in select collections; assure safety standards; and to provide assistance and represent the Unit in other functions as assigned by the Unit Supervisor. This position will conduct inspections and assist in issuing permits for the chemigation and anhydrous ammonia storage, handling, use, programs to ensure compliance with fertilizer and pesticide laws.

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.

One (1) year of work experience in the engineering, hazardous waste or agricultural chemical industry including work in designing anhydrous ammonia storage systems, use, handling and storage of anhydrous ammonia, hazardous materials, pesticides and fertilizers, research of pesticides and fertilizers or clean up and remediation of chemical incidents. NOTE: A bachelor's in Engineering, Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Soil Science or a related field may substitute one (1) year of work experience. 

AND 

Knowledge of:

• The use, storage, permitting, handling, distribution and disposal of pesticides and fertilizers or hazardous materials.
• The ability to read construction design plans.
• An understanding of applicable federal and state statutes and rules.
• Familiarity of Federal and state protocol for performing inspections, conducting investigations, obtaining, and handling evidence including samples.
• The use and applicability of agronomic practices involving anhydrous ammonia and lime soil amendment.

Excellent verbal and written skills including strong public relations skills with the ability to establish good rapport with clientele and the agricultural chemical community. 

The ability to plan effectively, work independently and coordinate efforts with a variety of people. 

Skills in Microsoft Office, web applications, database management, GPS and environmental meters. 

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

Experience applying, storing, or handling anhydrous ammonia in an agricultural setting. 

Experience interpretating construction plans and critically thinking to determine compliance with industry standards, rules and statutes. 

Experience applying, using, testing lime materials for soil amendments. 

Experience working with disposal of hazardous materials, including, and not limited to waste pesticides.

Experience working at an agricultural chemical facility, horticulture, household hazardous waste facility or similar disciple as an employee, applicator, supervisor, or manager. 

Knowledge of agricultural chemical statutes, regulations, and rules. 

Knowledge of investigation protocols, evidence collection, sampling procedures and enforcement procedures.

Physical Requirements

The incumbent needs physical dexterity that permits standing, kneeling, bending and stretching, and climbing up and down steps or ladders, lifting up to 30 pounds and traversing slippery/uneven surfaces. Incumbent must be able to walk long distances over uneven terrain and may be exposed to extremes of heat and cold in the performance of his/her duties. Incumbent must be able to work with difficult individuals and must remove him/herself from situations when necessary for protection. The incumbent must perform routine office tasks such as sitting and viewing a computer. The incumbent needs to travel overnight on an occasional basis and must drive a vehicle for an extended period. 

The position may encounter dangerous equipment and work conditions and must take precautions to protect themselves from injury. The position will work at times near to agricultural chemicals and potential exposure is possible. The position must know and use personal protection principals, and safety protocols. The position must be able to wear all required safety equipment and follow SOPs for personal protection. All applicable State, Department and Program safety policies are required to be followed, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe operation of motor vehicles and prohibited confined space entry.