AGRICULTURE SPECIALIST (1-3) chez State of Louisiana, LA

About the Department

• Following Policies and Procedures: The ability to comply with policies and procedures of the organization as well as State Civil Service rules, and all applicable federal and state laws. 
• Learning Actively: The ability to acquire necessary knowledge and skills to improve performance and achieve organizational goals. 
• Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to form an opinion objectively and decisively based on relevant information and in accordance with established standards. 
• Managing Resources: The ability to ensure resources such as time, money, and people are utilized appropriately to result in maximum business value. 

• Acting Decisively: The ability to make decisions quickly and effectively. 
• Communicating Effectively: The ability to relay information correctly and appropriately to connect people and ideas. 
• Demonstrating Initiative: The ability to assess information and take action independently to help the organization achieve its goals. 
• Solving Problems: The ability to discover solutions to problems. 
• Thinking Critically: The ability to objectively question, analyze, interpret, and evaluate information to form a conclusion.

Position Duties

Three years of experience in one or a combination of the following:

1. Administrative services
2. Inspecting or enforcing compliance with agricultural laws, rules, or regulations
3. Inspection and testing of weighing and measuring devices

OR

A bachelor’s degree in forestry, an agricultural, biological, chemical, environmental, health, or physical science, or an information technology, mathematics, or business field.

Minimum Qualifications

Click 'here' to view the Official State Civil Service Job Specifications for the 'Agriculture Specialist 1-3' role: here.

Other Qualifications

Job Duties:
The incumbent of this position work for the Office of Weights and Measures, Department of Agriculture and Forestry and reports to an Agriculture Specialist District Supervisor. This position acts as an assistant supervisor with lead worker responsibilities over lower-level Agriculture Specialist positions. Agriculture Specialists (Inspectors) in the Weights and Measures Division inspect and test all commercial weighing and measuring devices within the state used for solid or liquid commodities to ensure that devices are accurate and correct, to ensure that these devices are used for the purpose for which they are intended and to ensure that they are properly maintained and operated.

They are also responsible for package inspections of prepackaged commodities to ensure accurate weight and labeling. Equipment inspected included electronic pricing equipment, taximeters, and all light, medium and heavy-duty devices (e.g. retail/wholesale counter scales, truck scales, stockyard and hopper scales, cattle scales, monorail or overhead scales, platform, suspension and cotton beam scales, refrigerated milk tanks, motor fuel dispensing devices, and delicate highly accurate scales used in the sale or trade of precious metals).

• Performs inspections required by law to prove the size, quantity, extent, area or measurement of commodities or their dispensers.
• Inspects labeling and markings on pre-packaged goods to ensure all products in commercial markets reflect an accurate description of the product.
• Maintains and utilizes equipment such as test weights, special tools, equal arm balances, etc.
• Assists the Heavy-Duty Inspectors either by directly helping with the testing of heavy-duty scales or indirectly by serving as a witness to the testing of heavy-duty scales.
• Serves as assistant supervisor and/or lead worker.
• Assigns and reviews the work of lower-level inspectors to ensure that required field work is complete.
• Leads or participates in special projects or task groups as directed by their District or Regional Supervisors.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

• Lifting up to 50-pound weights
• Reaching above the shoulders
• Climbing stairs and ladders
• Working above and below ground level
• Sitting for long periods of time at workstation or vehicle for travel
• Driving a truck to perform inspections and investigations
• Walking over irregular ground and standing for long periods of time
• Using proper techniques for lifting tools, computers, weights, hoses or other items used in either the performance of duties or attending training throughout the state
• Observing recognized safety procedures in handling fuels, tools, weights, and climbing and working around hazardous structures

• Ability to work in extremes of temperature and humidity especially while wearing required safety gear
• Working indoors and outdoors
• Working around both residential and commercial structures that may be hazardous
• Working with hazardous material such as fuels, oils, other hydrocarbons and chemicals
• Exposure to dust, bad odors, fumes, slippery surfaces, mud, and animal excrement

Agriculture Specialist 1 has an SER of $19.23 per hour.

 Agriculture Specialist 2 has an SER of $20.58 per hour.

How To Apply:

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

* Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Brandi Collins

Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry

5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1001

Baton Rouge, LA 70806

[email protected]
 
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry strictly prohibits workplace harassment and discrimination on the on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, national origin, military service, sickle cell trait, protected genetic information or other non-merit factor. LDAF also strictly prohibits employment decisions based upon or influenced by such factors.

All candidates for hire must undergo drug screening.