Hurricane Helene Pesticide Disposal / Ag Program Specialist II (Temporary - Western NC)

Agency

Office of State Human Resources

Division

Temporary Solutions

Job Classification Title

Agricultural Program Specialist II (S)

Position Number

Grade

NC14

About Us

To provide a solid Human Resource management foundation, responsible oversight, and creative solutions through a collaborative approach with all stakeholders to maximize the potential of our greatest asset – OUR EMPLOYEES.

Description of Work

This is a temporary position and there are no leave or retirement benefits offered with this position. Temporary employees who work an annual average of 30 or more hours per week may be eligible for health insurance coverage under the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). For more information on Health Benefits offered visit www.shpnc.org.

Visit www.nctemporarysolutions.com for employment information.

Note: Permanent and time-limited NC State Government employees must separate from their permanent or time-limited position in order to work in a temporary position. All temporary employees are limited to one NC State Government temporary assignment at a time. 

Individuals hired into a temporary State job must be fully qualified for the job.  OSHR supports the Governor's Job Ready initiative and seeks to expand a temporary skill set to enhance their qualifications for State government and private sector jobs.  Exposure to an agency's culture, process, procedures, and potential learning opportunities can provide valuable experience to those who may seek permanent employment with the state.

This temporary position is with NC Ag - Structural Pest Control / Pesticides, located at 121 4400 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh NC, Wake County 27607. 

Job Order Hourly Rate of Pay: $33.15 (Based on education and/or years of relevant work experience reflected on the application). 

Details of the Position:

The primary purpose of this position is to serve in a field position as a Pesticide Disposal Specialist in western North Carolina as part of the Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program. The duties include working with a broad range of the regulated and non-regulated community, consisting of agricultural commodity producers, commercial and private applicators, and members of the general public to safely collect unwanted pesticide products for proper disposal.

This position is established with federal funds from the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services subaward of the grant NC (Dept of Environmental Quality (DEQ) received from the US EPA for Hurricane Helene related Hazardous and Solid Waste Management. This is a temporary position not to extend past September 30, 2030.

** This is a fully Remote field position with a Sporadic work schedule. Hours can vary from part-time to full-time depending on the tasks required. **

The selected Specialist for this role will:

* Assist other field staff and the public with understanding safe handling and responsible disposal of pesticide waste
* Work with the program manager to schedule and attend collection events throughout the western part of the State and respond to citizen inquiries regarding pesticide disposal
* May include site audits and assessments, and contractor coordination
* Assist with the compilation of reports and presentations to the Division Director, or other governmental agencies for decisions regarding the use and management of pesticide risks associated with their storage and disposal
* Provide weekly activity highlight reports to the supervisor outlining tasks worked on or completed each week
* Live and work in one of the 39 Western North Carolina counties state that was federally designated as impacted by Hurricane Helene (counties impacted by Hurricane Helene, https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/designated-areas)
* Must pass an employment physical to confirm the ability to wear a respirator within 1 year from the date of hire
* Possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license within 120 days from hire

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Effective July 1, 2025, candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they have the minimum education and experience listed from the class specification.  The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed within this vacancy announcement will be used only as management preferences and will be used to screen for the most qualified pool of applicants. 

*  Considerable knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to pesticides

*  Ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws, rules and regulations

*  Ability to present and explain programs and policies relating to pesticides

*  Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with a wide variety of regulated and non-regulated groups such as other agencies, pesticide manufacturers, dealers and users

*  Ability to comprehend state and federal pesticide-related laws and regulations, apply guidelines and rules and keep fully abreast of advancing technologies and issues involving pesticides

* Accountable and dependable with reliable transportation

Minimum 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.

Pesticides: Bachelor's degree in entomology, plant pathology, plant physiology, horticulture, chemistry, agronomy, biology, zoology, soil science, crop science, animal science, environmental or ecological science or a related scientific field of study from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of related experience in regulatory or government service programs, cooperative extension programs or agricultural research or industry; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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:

Janice Scott Kearney

Recruiter Email:

JANICE.KEARNEY@NC.GOV