AGRICULTURIST 2

*THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE* Job Summary The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), Division of Plant Health and Compliance is seeking to fill one vacant position of Agriculturist 2 in the Sparks office. This position supports the NDA's Food Safety Modenerzation Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule program, Producer Certificate, Nursery programs, as well as the export program. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting FSMA inspections, provides technical assistance and outreach to growers for the produce safety program, conducts nursery inspections, conducts general agriclutural inspections, and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.

Key responsibilities
include supporting the implementation of FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, conducting produce safety inspections and on-farm assessments, and performing routine nursery stock inspections. The position also assists with program databases, training, and certification processes to promote safe, compliant agricultural production across Nevada. Agriculturists perform a variety of inspections and enforcement duties related to regulated agricultural programs. Essential Qualifications Two or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties and graduation from high school or equivalent education. Job Duties
• Perform technical inspection and enforcement duties related to agricultural programs in a limited capacity.
• Review forms and reports, statistical data, and determine inspection quotas.
• Prepare inspection reports.
• Identify and report infestations of noxious weeds, mix herbicides, identify specimens submitted, record data, and recommend control procedures.
• Perform shipping point and conditional inspections of agricultural commodities.
• Inspect retail outlets, wholesalers, and agricultural facilities.
• Conduct outreach related to various agricultural topics and regulations including but not limited to Produce food safety and Nursery licensing.
• Perform a broad range of duties relating to the agricultural programs’ inspection and enforcement.
• Prepare informational and regulatory bulletins.
• Issue Phytosanitary Certificates and create certification standards for new crops.
• Investigate complaints related to Produce Food Safety and Nursery licensing.
• Provide education on various agricultural topics and regulations including but not limited to noxious weeds, seed certification, produce safety, pest control, plant disease diagnostics.
• Maintain data, prepare reports, monitor budgets to assist in the administration of contracts, grants, and purchasing and budget preparation.
• Perform related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level. Knowledge Of
• Federal and State pesticide enforcement programs; native plant taxonomy.
• Noxious weeds; nursery and pest control inspection and investigation procedures; sample collection and processing procedures; quarantined or serious pest insects, weeds and diseases; standards for fruits, vegetables, eggs and poultry; different pesticides and their effect on humans, pests, non-target animals, and environment; pesticide registration, labeling and use.
• Applicator certification and pest control operator licensing; identification and control of wood-destroying pests; fertilizer registration and restricted–use pesticides traps to monitor insects and their proper distribution.
• Insect and vertebrate pests, weed, and diseases of plants, their biology, hosts, effects and control.
• Nursery and pest control investigation procedures, including sample collection and processing procedures; quarantined or serious pest insects, weeds and diseases. Ability To
• Prepare analytical, narrative, and statistical reports.
• Prepare and make presentations to the public. Recruiter information: Alan Carino
- acarino@admin.nv.gov The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement. Benefits Include
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay. Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU). For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).
• State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature. The Following Are Legal Holidays January 1.............................................. New Year's Day Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Third Monday in February................ Washington’s Birthday Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day July 4.................................................... Independence Day First Monday in September.............. Labor Day Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day November 11........................................ Veterans' Day Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day December 25........................................ Christmas Day When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255 01 Do you have any of the following?
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in agricultural science or related field and one year of professional experience in agricultural inspection, seed certification, research, or enforcement of regulations related to agriculture and horticulture.
• One year of experience as an Agriculturist 1 in Nevada State service.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
• None of the above. 02 A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment and as a condition of continuing employment. Can you meet this requirement?
• Yes
• No 03 A pre-employment criminal history check and fingerprinting are required. Persons offered employment in this position will be required to pay for these items. Can you meet this requirement?
• Yes
• No 04 This position requires travel up to 50% of the time. Can you meet this requirement?
• Yes
• No 05 Do you have a four year degree?
• Yes
• No 06 Have you worked in Food Safety before? If yes, where did you gain that experience? If no, type "N/A" 07 Do you have any auditing certifications such as GAP, Global GAP, Primus Labs, etc.?
• Required Question