Agricultural PFAS Specialist (Agricultural Compliance Officer) - 1011 (Anticipated Vacancy)

AGRICULTURAL PFAS SPECIALIST

(AGRICULTURAL COMPLIANCE OFFICER)

-ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date:

July 22, 2024

Closing Date:

August 02, 2024

Location:

Southern Maine Region

Position #:

00500-1011

Position Type:

Permanent Full Time 

Class Code:

9109

Grade/Salary:

Grade 22 - $47,174.40 - $65,832.00 Per Year

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s PFAS Response Program has a current full-time, permanent position available in the Southern Maine Region.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position assists farms impacted by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by being an in-field liaison between farms and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The position conducts sampling of milk, crops, and other environmental media and manages testing data to develop on-farm PFAS management mitigation strategies. 

The position also performs key services by investigating and resolving complaints involving general agricultural enterprises. Responsibilities include inspection of agricultural production facilities to confirm compliance with licensing program standards, determining appropriate production practices for individual farm operations based on the State of Maine Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs); and conducting reinvestigations to ensure that site-specific BMPs have been adopted to ensure protection under the state’s Right to Farm law. The complaints often investigated include but are not limited to insect infestation, improper carcass disposal, manure handling, odors, and water quality. The job allows for frequent in-field work and delivery of important technical assistance to a broad group of constituents. 

The position will involve a hybrid work schedule (office/remote/field).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A six (6) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in agricultural practices, plant science, animal science, or related field to include at least two (2) years of field experience. 

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A valid State of Maine Driver’s License. 

Preference will be given to those with:

• Knowledge of statewide agricultural industries and associated plant and animal husbandry practices.


• Knowledge and awareness of PFAS and potential impacts to farming operations.


• Knowledge of water and other media analysis and interpretation.


• Knowledge of sanitary standards and biosecurity.


• Ability to interpret and understand laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to agriculture.


• Ability to take field samples of soil, water, feed, or other media, or capacity to be trained to do so appropriately and consistently.


• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and reports.


• Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse constituency, including those facing stressful situations.


• Capacity to work independently.


• Experience with software to create, translate, and integrate GIS data.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter, and current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter and Resume, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 


• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  


• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 


• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value). 


• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  


• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 


• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 


• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 


• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.


• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  


• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 


• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.