Munro Footwear Group
Job Description - Plant Science Specialist (25142425)
Position Title: Plant Science Specialist
The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for our
Plant Science Specialist
in Kalispell, Montana. First review of candidates on
October 29, 2025 . The mission of the Department of Agriculture is Serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky.
The Agricultural Sciences Division provides agricultural producers and consumers, commodity and environmental protection through the administration of Montana laws and rules in the areas of pesticides, groundwater monitoring, noxious weed control, feeds, fertilizers, seed, anhydrous ammonia, grain commodity dealers, commodity warehousemen, nurseries, produce, mint, honey bees, alfalfa leaf cutting bees and other services including organic certification, pest management consulting, laboratory analysis, pest surveys, export certification and quarantines.
Job Overview Applicants rarely have experience in all of the position duties. With a background in Biology, Environmental Science or Agriculture, the chosen candidate will be trained for the position duties. This field specialist is responsible for implementing and supervising an agri‑chemical compliance and regulatory program within a multi‑county district. The position investigates use and misuse of agri‑chemicals, responds to incidents, provides technical and remedial assistance, conducts inspections, develops regulatory quality control procedures, trains, and educates agri‑chemical users and the public, tests applicants for pesticide licenses, maintains a district office and equipment, does data entry, and generates reports, and reviews scientific and technical literature to maintain a current level of knowledge.
As a Plant Science Specialist, you will:
Evaluate and assess enforcement, training and investigation needs in a diverse multi‑county district to develop and write a comprehensive plan for regulating all aspects of pesticide use including but not limited to human health, groundwater, the environment, the public, agriculture, wildlife, and industry.
Research, organize and develop training materials, guides, handouts, and visual materials.
Present information using a variety of instructional techniques and formats such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, and lectures.
Keep up with developments in the area of expertise by reading current journals, books, and magazine articles.
Serve as a primary case review officer.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Create and maintain a safe and secure working environment by adhering to MDA safety, security, and health requirements; attend necessary training and implement best practices to mitigate injury, illness, and loss prevention.
Travel throughout the year, varying with seasonal demands in the district.
Conduct inspections and investigations which can involve occasional long working hours under adverse weather conditions in isolated areas.
Work in all program areas; lifting up to 50 lb. containers, climbing onto railcars and trucks, withstanding heights, working around treated seed, fertilizers, and other hazards, working in extremely dusty and noisy conditions, exposure to heavy agricultural equipment and machinery, and being subjected to insect and animal bites and stings.
Some work conditions require protective clothing and breathing apparatus.
Confrontational situations will be encountered; the incumbent must manage and mediate confrontational situations associated with site inspections, certification determinations, and regulatory and enforcement measures.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of plant, animal, biological and environmental sciences; Montana agriculture; sampling methods and procedures; regulatory procedures; and concepts.
Knowledge of relevant federal and state agricultural laws and regulations, and administrative practices and procedures.
Knowledge of pesticide regulation, manufacturing, labeling, trends, and marketing; sampling methods; and inspection protocol.
Knowledge of investigative procedures, confidentiality, enforcement tactics and techniques.
Strong computer skills including MS Office and database software.
Ability to translate complex technical and scientific information to broad audiences and coordinate programs involving diverse stakeholders.
Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, standard operating procedures and other knowledge to routine and non‑routine situations and incidences.
Advanced research design and implementation skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
Self‑directed, proactive, and able to handle competing priorities in a capacious time frame.
Capability to mediate confrontational situations during meetings, field activities, etc.
Ability to maintain and handle confidential information and data.
Problem‑solving and solution‑driven orientation.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in animal science, plant science, agricultural science, environmental science, or a closely related field.
Two years of job‑related work experience.
Valid driver’s license.
Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted with agency discretion.
Compensation and Benefits Salary: $33.55 per hour (Full‑time telework is not available; telework schedule must be supervisor approved). Telework eligibility: Telework Eligible.
Benefits include health insurance, paid leave and holidays, retirement plan, state paid premiums toward core medical, dental, and basic life insurance coverage for eligible employees, 15 days annual leave, 12 days sick leave, 10–11 paid holidays, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Application Information Required application materials: Cover Letter, Resume.
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
Training Assignment: Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Contact Traci Merzlak traci.merzlak@mt.gov 406‑444‑3145
EEO Statement The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for our
Plant Science Specialist
in Kalispell, Montana. First review of candidates on
October 29, 2025 . The mission of the Department of Agriculture is Serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky.
The Agricultural Sciences Division provides agricultural producers and consumers, commodity and environmental protection through the administration of Montana laws and rules in the areas of pesticides, groundwater monitoring, noxious weed control, feeds, fertilizers, seed, anhydrous ammonia, grain commodity dealers, commodity warehousemen, nurseries, produce, mint, honey bees, alfalfa leaf cutting bees and other services including organic certification, pest management consulting, laboratory analysis, pest surveys, export certification and quarantines.
Job Overview Applicants rarely have experience in all of the position duties. With a background in Biology, Environmental Science or Agriculture, the chosen candidate will be trained for the position duties. This field specialist is responsible for implementing and supervising an agri‑chemical compliance and regulatory program within a multi‑county district. The position investigates use and misuse of agri‑chemicals, responds to incidents, provides technical and remedial assistance, conducts inspections, develops regulatory quality control procedures, trains, and educates agri‑chemical users and the public, tests applicants for pesticide licenses, maintains a district office and equipment, does data entry, and generates reports, and reviews scientific and technical literature to maintain a current level of knowledge.
As a Plant Science Specialist, you will:
Evaluate and assess enforcement, training and investigation needs in a diverse multi‑county district to develop and write a comprehensive plan for regulating all aspects of pesticide use including but not limited to human health, groundwater, the environment, the public, agriculture, wildlife, and industry.
Research, organize and develop training materials, guides, handouts, and visual materials.
Present information using a variety of instructional techniques and formats such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, and lectures.
Keep up with developments in the area of expertise by reading current journals, books, and magazine articles.
Serve as a primary case review officer.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Create and maintain a safe and secure working environment by adhering to MDA safety, security, and health requirements; attend necessary training and implement best practices to mitigate injury, illness, and loss prevention.
Travel throughout the year, varying with seasonal demands in the district.
Conduct inspections and investigations which can involve occasional long working hours under adverse weather conditions in isolated areas.
Work in all program areas; lifting up to 50 lb. containers, climbing onto railcars and trucks, withstanding heights, working around treated seed, fertilizers, and other hazards, working in extremely dusty and noisy conditions, exposure to heavy agricultural equipment and machinery, and being subjected to insect and animal bites and stings.
Some work conditions require protective clothing and breathing apparatus.
Confrontational situations will be encountered; the incumbent must manage and mediate confrontational situations associated with site inspections, certification determinations, and regulatory and enforcement measures.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of plant, animal, biological and environmental sciences; Montana agriculture; sampling methods and procedures; regulatory procedures; and concepts.
Knowledge of relevant federal and state agricultural laws and regulations, and administrative practices and procedures.
Knowledge of pesticide regulation, manufacturing, labeling, trends, and marketing; sampling methods; and inspection protocol.
Knowledge of investigative procedures, confidentiality, enforcement tactics and techniques.
Strong computer skills including MS Office and database software.
Ability to translate complex technical and scientific information to broad audiences and coordinate programs involving diverse stakeholders.
Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, standard operating procedures and other knowledge to routine and non‑routine situations and incidences.
Advanced research design and implementation skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
Self‑directed, proactive, and able to handle competing priorities in a capacious time frame.
Capability to mediate confrontational situations during meetings, field activities, etc.
Ability to maintain and handle confidential information and data.
Problem‑solving and solution‑driven orientation.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in animal science, plant science, agricultural science, environmental science, or a closely related field.
Two years of job‑related work experience.
Valid driver’s license.
Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted with agency discretion.
Compensation and Benefits Salary: $33.55 per hour (Full‑time telework is not available; telework schedule must be supervisor approved). Telework eligibility: Telework Eligible.
Benefits include health insurance, paid leave and holidays, retirement plan, state paid premiums toward core medical, dental, and basic life insurance coverage for eligible employees, 15 days annual leave, 12 days sick leave, 10–11 paid holidays, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Application Information Required application materials: Cover Letter, Resume.
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
Training Assignment: Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Contact Traci Merzlak traci.merzlak@mt.gov 406‑444‑3145
EEO Statement The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
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