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The Agronomic Division- NC Department of Agriculture provides statewide diagnostic and advisory services that increase agricultural productivity, promote responsible land management and safeguard environmental quality. The Division is comprised of three laboratory sections and a Field Services Section with a combined total of 58 employees. The Division maintains a very active, employee-led safety program and is recognized as a Public-Sector Star site by the NC Department of Labor.

The primary role of this position is supervision and management of a state-wide, regional network of thirteen agronomists who provide on-site assistance to help growers implement nutrient management and nematode control programs in a cost effective and environmentally sound manner. This employee is responsible for planning, developing, and monitoring the Field Services Section in coordination with the three laboratory Section Chiefs and the Director. Duties include providing oversight and ensuring consistency of technical assistance provided by staff across the state; maintaining communication and collaboration with other state and federal agencies (NC Cooperative Extension, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Department of Environmental Quality, NC Soil and Water Conservation, etc.), crop consultants, commodity groups and agribusiness; providing ongoing technical training for agronomists; coordinating outreach and field demonstration projects conducted by agronomists; maintaining detailed records and accountability of Field Services’ activities and providing agricultural updates to NCDA&CS General Administration and Emergency Programs. The employee collaborates with laboratory Section Chiefs and university researchers to conduct research that will address validity and robustness of grower recommendations and fine-tune interpretation and crop management. The employee will serve as media spokesperson for the Division and will coordinate public tours of the laboratories. The employee will ensure NCDA&CS and Division safety rules and policies are enforced, monitor the work environment for safety concerns and foster a culture of safety and participation in the Division’s Public-Sector Star Safety Program. 

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The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provide 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.

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https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northcarolina/jobs/3530469/agronomic-program-manager

Closing Date: 5/25/2022 5:00 PM Eastern

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of soil testing, soil fertility and soil management
• Knowledge of plant, waste, and solution analysis for optimizing crop growth
• Knowledge of plant-parasitic nematodes and their ability to cause crop damage
• Knowledge of agricultural field experimental design
• Ability to analyze and draw valid and applicable conclusions from conditions observed in the field
• Ability to analyze research data to formulate valid conclusions
• Ability to synthesize, organize and present scientific information in a clear, concise manner orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES:

• Candidates with a master’s or Ph.D. level of education
• Supervisory experience

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

*Transcripts are required at the time of interview*

Doctoral degree in agronomy, agricultural science, horticultural science, soil science, plant nutrition, crop science or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in an advisory, experimental or educational aspects of plant nutrition or soil management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Supplemental and Contact Information

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.
 
 Please follow instructions to apply on-line. It is important that your application includes all of your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application.  Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.
 
 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.  

 **Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. **