What are the responsibilities and job description for the MAWQCP Certification Specialist - State Program Administrator Intermediate position at Minnesota Department of Agriculture?
Working Title: MAWQCP Certification Specialist
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Intermediate
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position was previously announced 03/23/2026 through 04/06/2026. If you applied during that period, you do not need to reapply. Your application is still under consideration.
This position will be located in either the St. Cloud or Glenwood office and may have the ability to telework. The incumbent must be available for reasonable travel. Reliable transportation is necessary for driving to field visits.
This position provides program delivery of the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) to agricultural producers and landowners. The incumbent will organize completion of the MAWQCP assessment process for delivery of conservation technical assistance to producers and landowners and certification contracts for those that meet threshold criteria.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
Field visits will entail moderate walking in outdoor conditions encountered potentially throughout all four seasons. Some lifting may be required, less than 50 lbs. Ability to work seated and on keyboard for long periods required.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about the position, contact Bill Fitzgerald at william.fitzgerald@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Lauren Daniels at lauren.daniels@state.mn.us.
About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.
Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
Our three general areas of responsibility include:
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Intermediate
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Job ID: 93013
- Location: Various
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for all qualified job seekers.
- Date Posted: 06/08/2026
- Closing Date: 06/29/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Division/Unit: Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division / MN Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
- Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position was previously announced 03/23/2026 through 04/06/2026. If you applied during that period, you do not need to reapply. Your application is still under consideration.
This position will be located in either the St. Cloud or Glenwood office and may have the ability to telework. The incumbent must be available for reasonable travel. Reliable transportation is necessary for driving to field visits.
This position provides program delivery of the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) to agricultural producers and landowners. The incumbent will organize completion of the MAWQCP assessment process for delivery of conservation technical assistance to producers and landowners and certification contracts for those that meet threshold criteria.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
- One (1) year of experience coordinating and administering projects related to agriculture or the environment; a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources or related field may substitute one (1) year of experience.
- Working knowledge of agricultural production and resource conservation practices and management in Minnesota.
- Working knowledge of agricultural conservation programs.
- Excellent organizational, project management, oral and written communication and analytic skills.
- Ability to travel and work remotely within Minnesota.
- The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
- Experience in program outreach to agricultural producers, including recruitment and enrollment in conservation programs, contracts, easements, or other Best Management Practice promotion.
- Current or prior credentials in conservation planning or agronomy as required to become a MAWQCP licensed Certifying Agent.
- Completion of conservation planning modules required to be a Deputy Certifying Agent.
- Experience working in Minnesota with agricultural producers and public agencies.
- Experience or education in agronomy including nutrient and pest management.
- Experience with Federal conservation programs as well as state conservation, agricultural and environmental issues.
Field visits will entail moderate walking in outdoor conditions encountered potentially throughout all four seasons. Some lifting may be required, less than 50 lbs. Ability to work seated and on keyboard for long periods required.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
- SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
- Employment Reference Check
- Driver’s License Check
- Conflict of Interest Review
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about the position, contact Bill Fitzgerald at william.fitzgerald@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Lauren Daniels at lauren.daniels@state.mn.us.
About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.
Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
Our three general areas of responsibility include:
- Protecting our food supply;
- Protecting our natural resources; and,
- Cultivating our agricultural economy.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Salary : $53,598 - $77,798