Plant Science Specialist

Job Description - Plant Science Specialist )

Position Title:

The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for our Plant Science Specialist in Billings, Montana. First review of candidates July 22, 2026
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The mission of the Department of Agriculture is Serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky.

The Agricultural Sciences Division provide agricultural producers and consumers, commodity and environmental protection through the administration of the Montana laws and rules in the areas of pesticides, groundwater monitoring, noxious weed control, feeds, fertilizers, seed, anhydrous ammonia, grain commodity dealers, commodity warehousemen, nurseries, produce, mint, honey bees, alfalfa leaf cutting bees and other services including organic certification, pest management consulting, laboratory analysis, pest surveys, export certification and quarantines.

Applicants rarely are experienced in all of the position duties. With a background in Biology, Environmental Science or Agriculture, the chosen candidate will be trained for the position duties. This position is a field specialist, responsible for implementing and supervision of an agri-chemical compliance and regulatory program within a multi-county district. The position investigates use and misuse of agri-chemicals, responds to incidents, provides technical and remedial assistance, conducts inspections, develops regulatory quality control procedures, trains, and educates agri-chemical users and the public, tests applicants for pesticide licenses, maintains a district office and equipment, does data entry, and generates reports, and reviews scientific and technical literature to maintain a current level of knowledge.

Maintains effective relationships between the agency and regulated community, interest groups, other agencies, and the public so that problems are addressed, priorities recognized, and agency programs communicated. Designs and proposes new regulatory procedures and office procedures according to a formal district plan, designed and implemented by each field specialist.

• Evaluate and assess enforcement, training, and investigation needs in a diverse multi-county district to develop and write a comprehensive plan for regulating all aspects of the use of pesticides including but not limited to human health, groundwater, the environment, the public, agriculture, wildlife, and industry.
• Research, organize and develop training materials, guides, handouts, and visual materials.
• Present information and use a variety of instructional techniques and formats such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, and lectures.
• Keep up with developments in the area of expertise by reading current journals, books, and magazine articles.
• Serve as a primary case review officer.

• Create and maintain a safe and secure working environment by adhering to MDA safety, security, and health requirements; as well as attend any necessary training and implement best practices in order to mitigate injury, illness, and loss prevention.
• Travel throughout the year varies with the seasonal demands in the district.
• Conduct inspections and investigations which can involve occasional long working hours under adverse weather conditions in isolated areas.
• Work in all program areas; lifting up to 50 lb. containers, climbing onto railcars and trucks, withstanding heights, working around treated seed, fertilizers, and other hazards, working in extremely dusty and noisy conditions, exposure to heavy agricultural equipment and machinery, and being subjected to insect and animal bites and stings.
• Some work conditions require protective clothing and breathing apparatus.
• Confrontational situations will be encountered due to the regulatory nature of the position and incumbent must be able to manage, and mediate confrontational situations associated with site inspections, certification determinations, and regulatory and enforcement measures.

Knowledge of the principles of plant, animal, biological and environmental…