Agricultural Inspector, Highway Department

Location: Waite Park

Salary Hiring Rate: $27.93/hour, Grade 15, Non-Exempt, Teamsters - General Unit Stearns County Mission:
Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.

Stearns County Values:
Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable Stearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Hiring Range: $27.93 - $33.35/hour Position Objective To provide effective regulation of seeds and noxious weeds and to assist in the regulation of pesticides, and screening. This position is responsible for protective and educational service to the public and regulated industries to protect public health, the environment, and the consumer. This position will also provide assistance with the implementation of the County’s MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.
1. Enforces the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law and Minnesota Seed Law and rules to protect citizens and the environment from the harmful effects of noxious weeds.
2. Performs inspections of plant species to determine if a noxious/invasive plant.
3. Participates in control programs for users and sellers of herbicides to ensure such products are used in an effective, legal, and safe manner by properly trained and licensed individuals.
4. Evaluates, inspects and maps county's storm water systems, and participate in the storm water public outreach program in accordance with MS4 requirements. Conducts standard testing and sampling procedures to evaluate storm water quality on the county's storm water conveyance systems. Assists with following up on erosion issues relating to right of way permits/complaints.
5. Manages the county's biological control program for noxious weeds and oversees the County right-of-way spraying program.
6. Plans, conducts, and attends meetings for municipal officials and the public to discuss the law enforcement and education regarding noxious weeds and seeds.
7. Schedules weed tours; follows-up on seed violations; and advises landowners on proper weed control.
8. Serves legal documents to landowners who do not comply with regulations.
9. Administers commercial and non-commercial pesticide exams.
10. Assists in coordination of the Highway Departments Vegetation Management Plan.
11. Assists MN Dept of Ag (MDA) with obtaining samples of seeds from dealers and at retail, and wholesale seed outlets.
12. Supports noxious weed compliance by assisting Township weed inspectors with enforcement, assisting with the preparation of required permit applications, and helping carry out responsibilities associated with the Monarch CCAA.
13. Completes and submits reports as required by the Commissioner of Agriculture and the County Board of Commissioners.
14. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
15. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:
• High school graduate or equivalent
• Two years of formal preparation education in agronomy, environmental studies, or similar field and six months of progressively related experience OR four years and six months of progressively related experience
• Valid Minnesota Class  D  Driver's License
• Reliable means of transportation to…