The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for our Licensing Specialist. First review of applicants will be on September 9, 2022. Open until filled. Remote work may be an available option for this position.

The Montana 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.

Job Overview:

Responsibilities include a full range of duties associated with assessing certification for licensing commercial, non-commercial, governmental and private pesticide applicators; assist in the development of effective training manuals and licensure tests that assure competency levels to protect the public and environment; process license applications ; and assists section supervisor in developing and carrying out short- and long-range goals and objectives for special projects associated with specific program areas. This position also works closely with department staff, Montana State University Extension Service, tribal government representatives, state agencies, other pesticide State Lead Agencies, and federal government agencies.

As the Licensing Specialist, you will:

• Confer with, interview, and evaluate applicants, officials, applications, records, and documents to gather information about eligibility for or liability issues with licenses.
• Issue licenses to individuals meeting standards.
• Advise licensees, other individuals, and groups concerning licensing, permits, and regulations.
• Prepare reports of activities, evaluations, recommendations, or decisions.
• Report law or regulation violations to appropriate personnel, boards, or agencies.
• Prepare correspondence to inform concerned parties of licensing decisions or appeals processes.
• May warn violators of infractions or penalties and initiate actions, such as license suspension, fines, revocation, or other penalties.
• Participate in the development of procedures, policies, and administrative rules for licensing.
• Examine financial and legal documents, inspection reports, official statements and certifications, or other relevant documents related to licensing.
• Train and mentor other staff and the public about licensing requirements, inspections, and regulations.
• Coordinate licensing investigation and inspection tasks with other agencies and the public.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Works in an office environment. Work hours are generally 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The position is generally sedentary in nature, but incumbent typically performs some light stretching, reaching, twisting, stooping, and bending when working with files and performing routine office duties.
• Fluctuation in workload may require more than a 40-hour work week.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of customer service standards and techniques, applicant licensing methods and techniques for multiple programs, and applicable State and federal laws and licensing requirements.
• Knowledge of pesticide use and pesticide sites to determine necessary category(s) for licensure.
• Ability to recognize need for new category development to meet site specifications.
• Knowledge of applicable State laws, rules and licensing requirements is required, but may be part of a training assignment if needed.
• Knowledge of State and Agency accounting, record keeping, and administrative policies and procedures; and business communications (e.g., professional document formats, composition, spelling, grammar, etc.).
• Skills in data analysis including standard statistics, trend analysis, and related professional reporting for the agency, legislature, legislative working committees, industry, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Knowledge of Montana Agriculture.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of repository database systems and typical office software programs (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Attention to detail.
• Initiative to work in a self-directed and proactive manner.
• Ability to handle difficult situations with the public.
• Solution driven and ability to problem solve.
• Ability to handle competing priorities with sensitive time frames while completing high-quality work.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, criminal justice, law enforcement, or related field.
• Three years of job-related work experience in compliance or licensing, procurement and contract administration, or program administration.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What other benefits can you expect from this opportunity?

• Health Coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.
• Possible telework opportunities
• Work/life Balance

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Job : Agricultural/Livestock Sciences

Salary: $ 20.42 - 22.42 Hourly Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings : 1 Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Shift : Day Job Travel : Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location : Helena Agency : Department of Agriculture Union : Montana Federation of Public Employees Bargaining Unit : 041 - Agriculture Employees

Posting Date : Aug 24, 2022, 10:37:41 AM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Ongoing

Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name : Traci Merzlak | Contact Email : traci.merzlak@mt.gov | Contact Phone : 406-444-3145