AGRICULTURAL INSPECTOR MGR (Internal Only)

 

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 Maryland Department of Agriculture's State Chemist has been in continuous operation since 1833. It regulates the sale and distribution of pesticides, animal feeds, pet foods, fertilizers, compost, soil conditioners and agricultural liming materials in order to enhance and promote agricultural production; protect consumers, animals and the environment from unsafe products; ensure the sale of effective products and provide the regulated industry with a competitive marketplace. Regulation is accomplished by product registration, laboratory analyses, inspection, voluntary compliance and enforcement actions such as stop sale orders.

This position is limited to current employees of the State Chemist Section.

16

MDA Headquarter Annapolis, MD

Supervises and trains lower-level Inspectors performing inspections, label review, stop sale follow up, sampling, and preparing sample documents. Reviews inspector's reports, sample forms, and submissions to FDA, USDA, and other outside agencies. Provides technical guidance, regulatory interpretation, and administrative policies lower-level inspectors. Assesses potential risks and hazards associated with agricultural operations to safeguard consumers, citizens, the environment, and animals in the state. Collaborates with other agencies, both federal and state, and with outside state agencies. Develops and maintains educational, training, outreach, and the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards. Independently conducts investigations of a complex and sensitive nature to assure compliance with applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.

Directs and coordinates a Statewide inspection program for the commodities that the program regulates. Provides technical guidance and direction on applicable inspection methods, procedures and policies. Interprets applicable state and federal law and regulations regarding the regulated commodities.  

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.

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

FDA credential for animal feed inspections.

This position is limited to current employees of the State Chemist Section.

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.

Employees in this classification may be assigned to any county or region of the State and may be required to establish residence within their assigned region.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. 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 assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred.  If you 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.  If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas and 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).  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. 

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.  TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Kathleen Newhouse at 410-841-5837 or kathleen.newhouse2@maryland.gov.