Compliance Inspector, Pesticide and Fertilizer Program

Overview

Location
Barber County; Clark County; Comanche County; Edwards County; Ford County; Hodgeman County; Kiowa County; Meade County; Pawnee County; Stafford County

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

This position will remain posted until filled.

Location: Candidates must live in our around the following counties in Kansas or be willing to relocate to the assigned area: Meade, Hodgeman, Ford, Clark, Pawnee, Edwards, Kiowa, Comanche, Stafford, or Barber Counties.

This position serves as an Environmental Compliance Regulatory Specialist / Compliance Inspector for the Pesticide and Fertilizer Program. The Pesticide and Fertilizer Program also maintains primacy for enforcement of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

Below are some of the responsibilities that the Environmental Compliance Regulatory Specialist / Compliance Inspector are responsible for:

Inspections, Complaint Investigation, and Enforcement.  This employee is responsible for conducting inspections as negotiated with EPA, including, but not limited to, marketplace inspections, dealer inspections, recordkeeping inspections, and producer establishment inspections. This employee also conducts investigations of pesticide use and misuse which may involve damages to animals, plants, wildlife, persons, property, and water resources.  As such, this employee interacts with the general public and industry members, makes observations, evaluates causes of the alleged damage, collects samples, documents findings, and provides assistance as needed when enforcement actions are taken by the agency.

Monitoring Inspections and Compliance Assistance. This employee performs monitoring inspections and provides compliance assistance to the regulated public including landowners, operators, both private and commercial applicators, dealers, and the pesticide industry as a whole.  This employee is responsible for conducting chemigation inspections and inspects all facilities and equipment used to store and distribute anhydrous ammonia used for agricultural purposes. This employee conducts inspections of custom blending fertilizer operations, conducts inspections of pesticide and fertilizer facilities which includes the review and evaluation of mixing/loading areas, containment, and storage areas. This employee will collect samples and conduct follow-up activities as needed, and will communicate the results of inspections to the regulated public.

Technical Assistance, Communication, and Outreach Education. This employee provides technical and regulatory information to the general public, members of industry groups, Program personnel, other KDA staff, and other state agencies. This may include creating training materials; preparing training materials for staff meetings; and representing the Pesticide and Fertilizer Program in various meetings. This employee proctors certification examinations, monitors recertification training programs, and provides information during recertification training programs, as assigned.

*** This position is home-based. The candidate that is selected for this position with start each day from the candidate’s place of residence.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in biological/ecological sciences, especially in the disciplines of agronomy, entomology, horticulture, or weed science, is required.
Must be able to walk on rough terrain while carrying equipment and/or samples.
Job knowledge at an advanced level in environmental/agricultural science.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Exceptional people skills are required.
The incumbent will need to be able to obtain federal credentials from the Environmental Protection Agency within the first two years of employment.
Employee is required have a valid Class C (or higher) Kansas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state. Employee is responsible to maintain an acceptable driving record to safely drive state vehicle and be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.
Preferred Requirement (Not Required):

Master of Science degree in one of the above specialties is preferred.
Knowledge of relevant state and federal statutes, regulations, and policies is preferred.
Working knowledge of the commercial pesticide application industry is preferred.

ompensation:

Annual Salary Range: $43,000 to 44,000 Per Year
Hourly Pay Range: $20.67 to $21.15 Per Hour
* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
Sick & Vacation leave
Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
Fitness Centers in select locations
Employee discounts with the STAR Program
Retirement and deferred compensation programs