State of Maryland

An Agricultural Inspector Manager is the managerial level of work conducting inspections, investigations, sampling or testing of agricultural and other commodities.  Employees in this classification direct and coordinate a statewide inspection program.  Employees in this classification supervise Agricultural Inspector Supervisors.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a program manager or higher-level administrator.  The work may be performed at field locations throughout the State requiring extensive travel.  The work may require lifting and carrying up to 100 pounds.            

Positions in this classification are evaluated using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the a class specification.           

The Agricultural Inspector Supervisor is differentiated from the Agricultural Inspector Manager in that the Agricultural Inspector Supervisor has supervisory responsibility for lower-level Agricultural Inspectors while the Agricultural Inspector Manager has supervisory responsibility for Agricultural Inspector Supervisor and is responsible for a statewide inspection program.

Directs a statewide agricultural inspection program;

Provides technical guidance and direction on applicable inspection methods, procedures and policies;

Interprets applicable laws, rules and regulations regarding inspection activities;

Maintains liaison with federal, State, and county officials and officials of industrial organizations concerning status of inspections;

Responds to inquiries from consumers or industry officials regarding complaints, standards, inspection procedures and interpretation of legal guidelines;

Prepares and reviews technical reports, records and other documents;

Reviews initial appeals from regulated industries and businesses and recommends appropriate action;

Participates in administrative hearings and recommends the appropriate disposition of controversial or complex cases involving possible violations of applicable laws;

May serve as an expert witness in the assigned specialty area in court cases regarding possible violations of various regulatory laws;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of applicable principles and practices;

Knowledge of inspection, testing, and investigative techniques;

Knowledge of applicable rules, regulations and standards;

Knowledge of basic legal procedures and processes regarding compliance with regulatory law;

Ability to reach conclusions based on analysis of technical facts and reports;

Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of others;

Ability to develop and implement administrative procedures and operational practices;

Ability to express thoughts effectively;

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with employees, administrative officials and members of the business community;

Ability to present evidence in court.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Six years of experience performing inspections or quality control work. At least four years of this experience must include work as a local, State or federal inspector with one year as a supervising inspector.

Note:  Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a non-commissioned officer in quality assurance, inspection and grading classification or quality assurance, inspection and grading specialty codes in the agricultural commodity grading field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator license’s valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Employees in this classification who are involved in pesticide sales, use, regulation or application or pest survey and control are required to possess and maintain a current Maryland Commercial Applicators Certification.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System. All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions. Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is not assigned to a bargaining unit as indicated by the designation of S(supervisor), M (manager), T (agency head), U (Board or Commission member), W (student), X (Used by agency or excluded by executive order), or Z (confidential). As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining. Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and therefore, all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.