Northwest Central Regional Seed, Export and Seed Potato Inspector - Plant Health Specialist

Northwest Central Regional Seed, Export and Seed Potato Inspector - Plant Health Specialist 1

Position within the Plant Protection Division / Seed Unit of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). This role is stationed primarily in the Northwest Central Region, covering Polk, Pennington, Red Lake, Clearwater, Norman, Mahnomen, Clay and Becker Counties. The successful candidate will reside within this area.

• Job
• Location:
  
  Northwest Central Area
• Telework Eligible:
  No
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Work Shift:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes – up to 75%
• Salary Range: $24.79 – $35.96 per hour; $51,761 – $75,084 per year
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status:
  Nonexempt
• Designation:
  Connect 700 Program applicant for individuals with disabilities – Yes

• Perform regulatory inspections and surveys within the Seed Regulatory Program and Seed Potato Program.
• Support and implement district and regional inspection plans.
• Document findings accurately and promote voluntary compliance through education.
• Conduct inspections that facilitate the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for agricultural exports.
• Inspect and certify industrial hemp fields and participate in field surveys for invasive species detection and monitoring.
• Collaborate with regulated parties and maintain effective working relationships.

• One (1) year of experience as an agriculture inspector or an equivalent field position in a regulated industry, or a Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology, entomology, botany, plant pathology, or an equivalent field.
• Ability to plan and execute inspection and survey activities efficiently to meet program and strategic goals.
• Effective communication skills with regulated parties and others.
• Ability to conduct inspections in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Proficiency with technology, including software and mapping tools for data capture and record keeping.
• Conflict resolution skills for tense situations.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

• Professional experience in one of the regulated industries.
• Knowledge of statutes, rules, and industry practices that pertain to inspections.
• Experience collecting data for scientific biological surveys and/or reports.
• Ability to identify potato varieties based on plant and tuber characteristics.
• General understanding of potato production practices, including planting, harvesting, storage, and transportation.
• Knowledge of diseases and environmental factors that affect the quality and condition of Minnesota-grown potatoes.

• Require close, distance, and depth vision as well as color vision and eye/hand coordination for accurate disease and quality assessments.
• Drive extensively, averaging or exceeding 150 miles per day.
• Work in diverse environmental conditions (high or low temperatures, high humidity, dust, wet, or muddy environments).
• Lift up to 50 pounds without assistance, possibly multiple times per day.
• Stand, walk, climb, kneel, squat, and bend for extended periods, often outdoors in fields, ditches, or wooded areas, using hand tools.
• Work outdoors in inclement weather and extreme temperatures.

• Not eligible for work visa sponsorship (including STEM OPT extensions).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Background check required upon offer, including SEMA4 Records Check (if applicable), Employment Reference Check, Driver’s License Check, and Conflict of Interest Review.

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. For questions, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers.us. Detailed application information is available at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Michael Merriman – michael.merriman.us

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served the state for more than 125 years. Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by ensuring the…