The Pesticide and Fertilizer Division of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture is seeking an Environmental Scientist. Our mission is to serve, advocate, protect, and promote agriculture to benefit everyone. We support agriculture by embracing diversity, innovation, research, and trade. We offer a competitive benefits package, including fully paid family health insurance, paid leave, paid holidays, a retirement plan, and a flexible work schedule.
Salary: $5,000-$5,500 per month
This position is responsible for administering key environmental and regulatory programs within the division, such as the Endangered Species Protection Program, Pesticide Water Quality Program, and Waterbank Program. Core duties include evaluating pesticide risks to threatened and endangered species, managing the Crop Protection Product Harmonization and Registration Board, and overseeing programs including the Pesticide and Fertilizer Registration Program, Water Sampling Program, Project Safe Send, and the Pesticide Control Board.
Additional responsibilities involve budget management, tracking biennial expenditures, and coordinating with the Commissioner on state and federal legislation, rules, and policies that impact agriculture and environmental protection. The position also requires interpreting and enforcing regulatory requirements, documenting compliance efforts, and ensuring consistent application of laws and policies. This role serves as a liaison to agricultural organizations, industry stakeholders, and various boards to identify trends and emerging needs, and includes supervisory responsibilities aligned with departmental goals.
This position is based at the State Capitol in Bismarck and requires regular on-site work.
Minimum Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in agriculture, agronomy, natural resources, environmental or biological sciences, or a related field; or
- Associate degree in a related field plus two years of pesticide and/or fertilizer-related experience.
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to travel in-state and out-of-state, including overnight and weekend travel, to conduct fieldwork, attend conferences, and participate in continuing education.
- Valid driver's license required for travel and inspections.
Preferred Qualifications: - Knowledge and/or work experience in North Dakota agriculture
- Working knowledge of North Dakota agricultural agriculture, including major pesticide and fertilizer products and their use.
- Understanding of state and federal pesticide and fertilizer registration laws.
- Knowledge of pesticide environmental fate and toxicity.
- Knowledge of threatened and endangered species laws and regulations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
- Prior supervisory experience preferred.
Application Procedure: Applicants must complete the online application at www.nd.gov/careers by 11:59 PM CT on the closing date. Applications must include a resume, cover letter, and college transcript(s) (official or unofficial). The cover letter should clearly outline how your education, experience, and skills align with the qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The Department of Agriculture does not provide sponsorship.
For technical assistance with the application process, contact recruiter@nd.gov or 701-328-3290. For additional information or accommodation requests, please contact Shelley Theisen, Human Resource Officer, at (701) 328-4757 or 1-800-242-7535.
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