TDA - ACP - Crop and Plant Industry Program Specia

Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting on the CAPPS Careers page.https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psp/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FLandAction=UandFOCUS=ApplicantandSiteId=1andJobOpeningId=100319andPostingSeq=1Agency InformationThe Texas Department of Agriculture's key objectives are to promote production agriculture, consumer protection, economic development and healthy living.Telework Option: TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work. The agencys core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.Job DescriptionWHAT YOULL DO: The Crop and Plant Industry Program Specialist will perform complex analytical and technical assistance work for the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Division with a focus on the Crop and Plant Industry Programs. You will focus on plant industry regulations and quarantine program work. You will assist staff in coordinating the planning, developing and implementation of assigned programs. You will provide guidance to program staff, as well as provide technical assistance to governmental agencies, community organizations, and/or the general public to protect consumers and the plant industry by regulating agricultural products through nursery/floral licensing, phytosanitary inspection of plant products, and quarantine enforcement and pest monitoring. You will work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job DutiesCollaborate with program management and staff in evaluating, revising, developing and implementing daily program activities, guidelines, policies and procedures for assigned programs. Monitor and review compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes and rules to ensure alignment with agency mission.Distribute appropriate forms and information to appropriate parties, including applicants, licensees, industry and other government officials, as needed.Monitor required program performance reports and recommend appropriate changes to program management, as needed.Review and evaluate the computer-based systems used for assigned programs to identify potential problems and recommend improvements.Collaborate with program staff in the preparation, tracking, validation, and completion of purchases, travel vouchers, cooperative agreements, compliance agreements, grants and contracts.Participate in the training of inspectors and other agency staff. Develop and revise training materials; maintain/update training manuals for the assigned programs; and participate in or conduct training sessions.Collect, organize, analyze and prepare materials in response to requests for program information and reports.Set up, maintain and monitor program records and enter related data into a database and or spreadsheet.Assist in developing policy and procedure manuals.Follow all TDA policies and procedures.Perform other duties as assigned.QualificationsTo be considered for the position, applicants must submit a State of Texas Application through CAPPS or WIT -- experience listed on the CAPPS application must state how each of the following qualifications are met:Bachelors of Science in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Biology or related field (One year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).Two (2) years work experience work experience providing technical assistance in agriculture, horticulture, botany, entomology, plant pathology, natural science or other agriculture-related field. Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesKnowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the assigned program areas; training techniques; and of program management processes and techniques.Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance; providing excel ent customer service to both internal and external customers and in operating a personal computer with applicable software.Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to provide guidance to others; and to exercise sound judgment and discretion.Working ConditionsPhysical Requirements and Working Conditions: Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, occasionally overnight (up to 10%). BenefitsThe State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:Retirement PlanPaid Group Health and Life Insurance for employees Paid HolidaysPaid Vacation LeavePaid Sick LeaveLongevity PayDentalVisionDependent Optional Life InsuranceVoluntary ADandD InsuranceDependent Health and Life InsuranceHealth and Dependent care flexible spending accountsAdditional InformationTelework and Work Hours The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work.The agency's core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.H-1B Visa Sponsorship We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.Background ChecksA criminal convict