The approximately 345 employees of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) are responsible for a wide range of programs that affect the quality of life of every Iowan. Both Iowans living on the farm and those in our towns and cities are impacted almost daily by the work of the Department.

IDALS seeks to fill the position of Pesticide Investigator (Northwestern Iowa) in the Pesticide Bureau. The Pesticide Bureau facilitates the judicious use of pesticides through state regulatory programs and education in order to protect human health and the environment. The purpose of this position is to investigate pesticide misuse incidents, collect samples, inspect records of pesticide distribution and use, administer certification exams and provide compliance assistance. Candidate chosen must maintain a valid driver’s license for travel. This position includes extensive travel and occasional overnight stays away from home. During seasonal peak workloads may be required to be away from home for the entire work week. Candidate chosen must be able to obtain and maintain state and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) credentials.

Duties:

• 
  Investigates incidents of alleged pesticide misuse including proper collection, preparation and maintenance of investigative evidence in accordance with current standard operating procedures (SOP's) and quality assurance plan. Prepares a comprehensive and complete investigation report for each investigation in a timely manner.
• Conducts inspections at pesticide retailers and distributors to monitor compliance with state and federal pesticide registration laws and regulations. Prepares an inspection report. Violations to be properly and completely documented. Official Notices or Stop Sale Orders properly executed and documented.
• Conducts inspections at pesticide applicator businesses to monitor compliance with state and federal pesticide laws and regulations including applicator records, sales of Restricted Use Pesticides, FIFRA 25(b) Section 24(c) and Section 18 registrations, as well as applicator certification and licensing. Prepares a written inspection report. Violations to be properly and completely documented. Field actions for violations noted.
• Conducts inspections at pesticide producing establishments to monitor compliance with federal pesticide laws and regulations. Collects samples and prepares a comprehensive inspection narrative report according to federal guidelines. Violations to be properly and completely documented.
• Administers written examinations for pesticide applicator certification. Monitors pesticide certification continuing instruction meetings to assure providers are following approved agendas and prepares a report summarizing the training. Occasionally makes presentations to groups at continuing instruction training sessions covering pesticide laws and regulations.
• Conducts other pesticide inspections and investigations as assigned including EPA experimental use investigations, EPA import/export inspections, worker protection inspections, child resistant packaging inspections, EPA container/containment inspections and prepares appropriate written reports.
• Conducts use investigations to monitor commercial applicator compliance with label use directions and compliance with licensing/certification requirements.
• Conducts Pollinator Environmental Incident Investigations and prepares comprehensive report in a timely manner.
• Conducts inspections of private pesticide applicator records according to IDALS protocol
• Assist office staff with processing license and certification applications and renewals as needed.

• Low out of pocket, high quality family medical insurance as low as $187.00 per month, single as low as $56.00 per month
• Dental insurance is free for single and $45.00 per month for family coverage
• $20,000 basic life insurance at no cost, voluntary supplemental life for an additional cost, and long term disability insurance at no cost
• Exceptional retirement package includes IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) which is a fixed income or defined benefit pension plan
• In addition to IPERS a deferred compensation plan (similar to a 401K) with a state match of up to $75.00 per month
• Paid leave includes – 9 holidays, sick, vacation, military leave, and jury duty leave

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy, Entomology, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, or other agricultural sciences that deal with the care of agricultural plants and animals;

Must be able to successfully complete the requirements for certification as a pesticide applicator within six months of employment and must obtain EPA credentials within 12 months of employment.

Applicants for these positions must be able to obtain a valid driver's license; travel is required

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We take our responsibilities and the public trust very seriously. We are committed to delivering the services that matter most to the people of Iowa. If you have the skills, the commitment and the desire to make a difference, then we invite you to explore the career opportunities available with the State of Iowa.

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