Weed Specialist

About Us: The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees. Description of Work Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. The Weed Specialist oversees statewide weed regulatory programs, policy development, and the management of state- and federally regulated plant species, including surveys, treatments, budgets, administration, and reporting. The role also supervises one full‑time and seasonal employees assigned to the Witchweed Eradication Project. The Weed Specialist is responsible for the administration of State Noxious Weed Rules adopted under the N. C. Plant Pest Law. This position provides technical and regulatory expertise for the identification and management of regulated weeds for the Plant Protection Section’s 18 field specialists through the development of program procedures, manuals and other weed program aids for field use. This includes active engagement of areas infested with Class A and B noxious weeds with area Field Specialists. The Weed Specialist is responsible for ensuring agricultural commodities and other regulated articles move in compliance with applicable laws/regulations. This position is responsible for administering a permitting process to facilitate the movement of weeds for scientific research. The work of this employee is supervised by the Plant Pest Administrator and provides research support and critical reviews of weed science which are presented to the Plant Protection Section on a routine basis. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences Recruitment Range: $52,592 - $67,000 Considerable knowledge of North Carolina flora and the wide range of exotic weeds that may present potential pest problems. Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, associated quarantines, and programs associated with weed pests and agricultural crops. Demonstrated experience with agricultural production systems and practices including the use of herbicides and cultural practices. Ability to supervise personnel and serve as a consultant to the Division and Department regarding regulatory weed programs. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal agencies, extension personnel, grower organizations, and the public. All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot’s License or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver’s License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position. Minimum Education and Experience A master’s degree in horticulture, crop science, weed science, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience". If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

EEO Statement: The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices. Recruiter Lori Lynnette Reed

Recruiter Email: agr.workday@ncagr.gov