PESTICIDES INSPECTOR 2* - 12302025-73741

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AND INDUSTRY SERVICES DIVISION, RUTHERFORD COUNTY

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a biological, chemical, or agricultural science and experience equivalent to two years of full-time work in one or a combination of the following: (1) the enforcement of environmental pollution laws or regulations, which may include pesticides inspection; feed, seed, and fertilizer inspection; or insect control; (2) the application, manufacture, or sales of commercial pesticides; (3) the inspection or development of laws or regulations for the distribution of agricultural/horticultural plants; (4) professional research or post-secondary education in the agricultural or biological sciences; or (5) the management or supervision of a farm or farming operation primarily engaged in the cultivation of vegetables, fruit, or other horticultural crops.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time experience in one or a combination of the following areas may substitute for the required education, on a year for year basis, to a maximum of four years: (1) the enforcement of environmental pollution laws or regulations, which may include pesticides inspection, feed, seed, and fertilizer inspection, or insect control; (2) the application, manufacture, or sales of commercial pesticides; (3) the inspection or development of regulations for the distribution of agricultural/horticultural plants; (4) professional research or post-secondary education in the agricultural or biological sciences; or (5) the management or supervision of a farm or farming operation primarily engaged in the cultivation of vegetables, fruit, or other horticultural crops (e.g., experience equivalent to one year of full-time work in one or a combination of the above listed fields may substitute for one year of the required education).

Substitution of Education for Experience: Additional graduate coursework in a biological, chemical, or agricultural science may be substituted for the required experience, on a year-for-year basis, to a maximum of one year (e.g., an additional 36 graduate quarter hours in one or a combination of the above listed fields may substitute for one year of the required experience).

OR

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree and experience equivalent to three years of full-time work in one or a combination of the following: (1) the enforcement of environmental pollution laws or regulations, which may include pesticides inspection, feed, seed, and fertilizer inspection, or insect control; (2) the application, manufacture, or sales of commercial pesticides; (3) the inspection of agricultural or horticultural plants; (4) professional research or post-secondary education in the agricultural or biological sciences; or (5) the management or supervision of a farm or farming operation primarily engaged in the cultivation of vegetables, fruit, or other horticultural crops.

Necessary Special Qualifications: A valid vehicle operator's license may be required for employment in some positions.

Examination Method: Education and experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Overview

Under general supervision, performs inspection, investigation, monitoring, and enforcement work of average difficulty involving State and Federal pesticides laws and regulations; State and Federal feed, seed, fertilizer, and agricultural lime laws and regulations; and pest control laws and regulations; and performs related work as required.

This is the working level class in the Pesticides Inspection sub-series. An employee in this class inspects and monitors the manufacture, distribution, application, product labeling, packaging, storage, sales proceedings and licensing of pesticides. An employee in this class also inspects, samples, and monitors the manufacture and distribution of feed, seed, fertilizer, and agricultural lime products. This class differs from Pesticides Inspector 1** in that an incumbent of the latter functions at the entry level. This class differs from Pesticides Inspector 3 in that an incumbent of the latter functions as an area supervisor.

Responsibilities

1. Inspects the manufacture, distribution, and application of pesticides to determine if any violations of State and Federal fungicide, insecticide, and rodenticide acts exist; investigates structural and agricultural pesticide applicators for licenses and proper application methods; inspects homes, commercial buildings, and farms, forests, and greenhouses which have been treated by pest control companies or producers to ensure adherence to State and Federal laws; performs inspections and obtains samples of feed, seed, fertilizer, and agricultural lime products to determine if violations of State and Federal laws and regulations exist.
2. Inspects establishments and obtains samples where pesticides, feed, seed, fertilizer, and agricultural lime products are sold or used to check for proper labeling, packaging, storage, sales proceedings, licensing, and adherence to other pertinent State and Federal regulations; investigates complaints of misuse of pesticides, illegal sales of pesticides, and sub-standard pest control services; researches the history of the company by reviewing manufacturing codes used, disposal methods, and containers used; investigates product related complaints regarding feed, seed, fertilizer, or agricultural lime.
3. Enforces laws and regulations by issuing warnings, stop work orders, stop sale orders, and by seeking warrants to prosecute violators; checks licenses, registrations, and charters to ensure company or product is chartered properly; issues appropriate warnings and performs follow-up compliance inspections on violations.
4. Prepares and maintains inspection and investigation reports, work activity reports, and expense reports.
5. May periodically provide assistance to and observe treatment techniques of pest control company owners and operators; answers questions from and offers assistance to the general public.
6. Prepares data for court appearances and testifies in court concerning the prosecution of illegal pesticides operators.
7. Assists in government sponsored eradication procedures.

Competencies (KSA's)

1. Manages Ambiguity
2. Manages Complexity
3. Communicates Effectively
4. Decision Quality
5. Courage

1. Building and Construction
2. Chemistry
3. Customer and Personal Service
4. Law and Government
5. Public Safety and Security

1. Active Learning and Listening
2. Critical Thinking
3. Speaking
4. Time Management

1. Deductive Reasoning
2. Problem Sensitivity
3. Written Comprehension
4. Far Vision

Tools & Equipment

1. Office Equipment
2. Respirator
3. Measuring Devices
4. Sampling Equipment - bags, bottles, etc.

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.