Job Description

We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia\'s agriculture through superior service and leadership.

• The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture, both locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.
• The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

This is a statewide position and requires frequent travel.
Position Overview: Under the Georgia Structural Pest Control Act, the Structural Pest Division (SPD) licenses and regulates pest management professionals, specifically those engaged in the business of structural pest control in the state of Georgia. This position coordinates and provides orientation and training of field and support staff for Structural Pest Division.

• Evaluates technical training needs of field staff.
• Develops and conducts training sessions, technical workshops, and presentations.
• Organizes training events including logistics.
• Maintain training records for each employee.

This position supervises the quality and consistency of inspections and investigations to ensure that commercial pest management professionals comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to pesticides and pest management.

• Assist with maintaining and updating inspection protocols and manuals.
• Communicates technical information to decision makers.
• Serves as quality assurance officer and conducts internal assessments and reports and recommendations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Inspection of commercial pest management companies to determine compliance.
• Conduct complaint investigations.
• Conduct emergency pesticide response efforts.
• Support of educational programs designed to achieve voluntary compliance.
• Writes reports of investigations/inspections describing findings, conclusions and potential effects and recommends follow-up.
• This position supports the program\xe2\x80\x99s strategic management plans and priorities, and serves as a resource on pesticide and pest management related regulatory issues to the general public and the regulated community.
• Interprets rules, regulations, laws, and procedures by phone, in person, and in writing to answer questions or concerns and provide direction for department staff, industry and the public and on specific program areas.
• Drafts, interpretive memos, guidance documents, and implementation strategies for staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in environmental science, Entomology, Biology, or another related field.
• Experience in pest management, agriculture or environmental protection or a professional position working in the pesticide or chemical industry.
• Government experience in regulatory enforcement of pesticide laws affecting the environment.
• Working knowledge of scientific and technical principles applicable to pesticide usage as well as knowledge of laws and regulations relevant to the handling of pesticides
• Experience with inspection/investigation procedures.
• Working knowledge of pesticide technology.

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory results of employment verification, background and criminal records investigations and motor vehicle reports.
HOW TO APPLY: Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers:

• Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.
If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.
** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *

Vocational/Technical degree in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, pest control, entomology or a closely related field from an accredited college AND Three years of lead experience in a directly related area OR Two years of college which included 12 semester hours or 20 quarter hours in chemistry or life sciences AND Three years of lead experience in a directly related area OR Two years of experience required at the lower level Agriculture Inspector 3 (RCT042) or position equivalent.