PESTICIDE REGULATORY OFFICER I (Morgantown, WV)

Job Summary

West Virginia Department of Agriculture

About the Role

Ensures compliance with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the application and use of all types of pesticides. The incumbent regulates the use and application of these pesticides to protect the public and environment from unsafe and ineffective pesticides and pesticide application practices. Work is performed under general supervision.

Responsibilities

• Conducts inspections of business establishments to check on the proper sale and distribution of pesticides.
• Conducts inspections of record keeping of pesticide usage by private and commercial applicators.
• Conducts on-site investigations and reviews of pesticide usage.
• Investigates complaints on the misuse of pesticides.
• Collects pesticide samples for laboratory analysis and label review.
• Maintains monitoring of experimental use permits.
• Inspects licensed pest control operator's equipment and reports.
• Affords assistance in certification workshops by giving presentations on laws, regulations, and proper use of pesticides.
• Affords assistance in administering certification examinations.
• Conducts integrated pest management inspection activities with schools and child care facilities.
• Conducts EPA Worker Protection Standard inspections and affords assistance with training as needed.
• Performs related, and other work as required.
• Affords assistance with pesticide container recycling and waste pesticide inventory collections.

Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull and handle objects and capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Includes outside work with possible exposure to poison ivy and insect bites/stings and exposure to inclement weather.
• Ability to crawl into attics and crawl spaces, wear personal protective equipment, be fit tested and wear a respirator.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, bacteriology, and related microbiology.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the safe use of pesticides.
• Knowledge of proper investigative techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of requirements for licensing under the pesticide laws.
• Ability to use a computer, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to properly use safety equipment. Must be respirator fit tested.
• Ability to safely collect pesticide samples.
• Ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to organize work and carry out assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, regulated groups and the general public.
• Willingness to travel within an assigned area of the state. It is anticipated that this position will involve approximately 70% travel status.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education equivalent to graduation from an accredited 4-year college with a degree in agriculture, entomology, the biological sciences, criminal justice or related field.
• Two years’ experience in a field closely related to the areas of assignment, such as agriculture, investigation or responsible public contact work is desirable.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Pay

$39,000 - $44,000 Annually

Schedule

Full-time