Certification and Compliance Assistance Supervisor; Guthrie Agricultural Center, Guthrie, WV

Certification and Compliance Assistance Supervisor (Guthrie Agricultural Center, Guthrie, WV)

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture seeks a Certification and Compliance Assistance Supervisor to manage pesticide certification and compliance activities.

Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs

Location: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston, WV

Reports To: Assistant Director, Pesticides

Supervisor Responsibility: Yes

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Nature of Work: The Certification and Compliance Assistance Supervisor works with the educational and licensing aspects of the pesticide program relating to pesticide applicator certification. The Supervisor assists pesticide businesses to achieve compliance with pesticide laws and rules. Work is conducted in cooperation with the United States EPA, USDA, West Virginia University Cooperative Extension Service, local governing bodies, and industry and applicator groups.

Examples of Work:

• Assist government, private and industry groups with certification and recertification workshops to achieve compliance with pesticide laws.
• Promote the principles of Integrated Pest Management to provide for the reduced use of pesticides and reduced risk to the public.
• Supervise Certification / Training Assistants and Compliance Assistance Specialists.
• Prepare educational articles, pamphlets, manuals, and training programs in regard to pesticide education, certification, and recertification.
• Write, edit, and maintain certification examinations for commercial and private applicators.
• Work with government and industry groups to implement pesticide training and safety programs as required for regulated pesticide businesses.
• Contact pesticide business groups needing licensure as a regulated pesticide application business and offer training and educational assistance in achieving compliance.
• Assist with EPA Emergency Exemption and Special Local Needs requests.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull, and can lift up to 50 pounds. Long durations spent operating office equipment such as personal computer, copier, or fax machine.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of state and federal pesticide laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of the requirements for certification and licensing.
• Knowledge of pesticides and their related usage.
• Ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare educational materials and conduct training programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, regulated groups and the general public.
• Ability to organize work and carry out assignments.
• Ability to speak in front of an audience.

Qualifications:

• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, or agriculture.
• Experience: Two years of full-time paid employment in a field closely related to the area of assignment, such as entomology, agriculture, education, regulatory pesticide inspection or safety.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.

West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level