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NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST II

Recruitment #22-001857-0004

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Introduction


The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch.  Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health, consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation.  As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continue to expand and grow.

 

The Nutrient Management Program protects water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries by ensuring that farmers and urban land managers apply fertilizers, animal manure and other nutrient sources in an effective and environmentally sound manner.​ Maryland law requires all farmers grossing $2,500 a year or more or livestock producers with 8,000 pounds or more of live animal weight to follow nutrient management plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal manure. Nutrient management plans specify how much fertilizer, manure or other nutrient sources may be safely applied to crops to achieve yields and prevent excess nutrients from impacting waterways. 

 

COME JOIN THE Nutrient Management Team​!

GRADE

16

LOCATION OF POSITION

92Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick, MD  21702

Assigned Region 1 (Allegany, Garrett & Washington Counties)

Main Purpose of Job

This position provides technical and administrative support to the nutrient management program in a designated region that covers Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties in Maryland.   The main function of this position is to review and inspect nutrient management plans written by certified consultants and implementation of nutrient management plans by farmers to help ensure their compliance with the regulatory requirements regarding proper utilization and application of nutrients, and protection of Maryland's agricultural and natural resources and the environment.

POSITION DUTIES

Reviews and evaluates certified nutrient management plans written by certified nutrient management consultants and farmers. Conducts plan implementation visit for farmers and reviews annual implementation reports ensuring their compliance with state regulatory requirements using Department's guidelines and procedures.

Issues appropriate follow-up and enforcement actions for non-complaint licenses, consultants, nutrient applicators, and farmers. Addresses complaints and farm emergency winter conditions to ensure compliance using the Department's Guidelines and Regulations for Nutrient Management implementation. Provides technical assistance to licensees, consultants, nutrient applicators, and farmers on a case-by-case basis and in a training environment.

Maintains records of inspections of nutrient management plans written by certified consultants and farmers and plan implementation by farmers for evaluation, regulatory requirements, and reporting by using hard copies and the program's database system. Prepares reports on inspection activities for program's evaluation and compliance with the Department's objectives using program's reporting format.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

Experience: Six years of experience in agronomy, soil fertility, nutrient management planning, or other related farming experience.

Notes: 

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college or university which includes at least 12 credit hours in agronomy, soil science, crops, or horticulture for two years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university which includes at least 24 credit hours in agronomy, soil science, crops, or horticulture for four years of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree in agronomy, soil science, crops, or horticulture from an accredited college or university for five years of the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute the possession of a current nutrient management certification for two years of the required experience.

5. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in plant pathology classifications or plant pathology specialty codes in the field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess any of the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications:

Current Nutrient Management Consultant Certification

12 credit hours in agronomy, soil science, crops, or horticulture

One year of farming experience in agricultural production related to managing and producing crops, crop rotation and manure management

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

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

2.  Employees in this classification must obtain a nutrient management certificate from the Maryland Department of Agriculture no later than one (1) year from the date of appointment and must maintain the certification.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training, and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

Please report all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added.  Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. 

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

Bargaining Unit: G

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD  21401. All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.  If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Stacey Summers 410-841-5842 or stacey.summers@maryland.gov.  TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.



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