Pesticide Research Scientist with Minnesota Department of Agriculture in St. Paul, Minnesota

This position exists to provide scientific expertise and effective education and communication to diverse staff and stakeholders on pesticide topics, such as risk to human health and the environment, pesticide fate and transport, and the safe and legal use of pesticides. This position will lead reviews on pesticide topics and provide coordination and material for education and outreach communicating complex scientific and regulatory information to a variety of stakeholders. This work enables the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to make science-based decisions that can affect how pesticides are used in Minnesota and provides valuable support to stakeholders needing to understand pesticide science and regulation.

This position is part of the Pesticide Technical Unit in the Pesticide and Fertilizer Management division at the MDA. The Pesticide Technical Unit interacts with MDA programs that regulate the sale and use of pesticides in Minnesota. Such programs include monitoring surface water and groundwater for pesticides, developing and promoting pesticide best management practices, permitting and inspection of ag chemical facilities, licensing of facilities, licensing of applicators, and investigating pesticide misuse. The Pesticide Technical Unit also serves as a bridge between science and policy. The Unit links research and practice by informing the MDA and pesticide users of current regulation and research-based best management practices that protect the integrity of the food supply, the health of the environment, and the strength and resilience of the agricultural economy.

Responsibilities include:

• Track and research scientific and regulatory pesticide issues related to environmental and human health and pesticide contaminants of emerging concern.
• Evaluate and interpret complex scientific research to plan and lead special registration reviews of pesticide and pesticide related issues. Use reviews to identify and recommend actions to agency management and the Commissioner of Agriculture and inform interested parties of the MDA’s considerations and decisions.
• Develop and implement effective education and communication on scientific and regulatory pesticide issues, such as risks to environmental and human health and scientifically backed mitigation measures.
• Develop and promote best management practices (BMPs), brochures, factsheets, stewardship plans about safe and legal pesticide use.
• Represent the MDA in work groups, task forces, and in communications with the public and news media.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master’s or higher degree in Environmental or Agricultural Sciences field such as: Weed
  Science, Plant Pathology, Applied Plant Science, Entomology, Agronomy, Soil science, Water Resources Management, Environmental chemistry, studies, resource management, and geology, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of practical experience designing, conducting, and analyzing research or
  evaluating and interpreting research data related to pesticides or other agricultural chemicals. A PhD degree in an environmental, agricultural, or closely related science may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
• Knowledge of agricultural cropping systems and pesticide related environmental and human health issues in Minnesota or comparable conditions.
• Experience managing outreach and education projects.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills suitable for communicating with diverse groups including farmers, scientists, registrants, and elected officials, and able to write and edit exceptional written materials.
• Established history of writing and publishing scientific material such as extension articles,
  scientific reports, peer-reviewed articles, and/or scientific communication articles.
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• A PhD or higher degree in an environmental or agricultural science or a closely related field.
• More than 3 years of practical experience designing, conducting, and analyzing research or evaluating and interpreting research data related to pesticides of other agricultural chemicals.Experience working in agricultural cropping systems in Minnesota or comparable conditions.
• A demonstrated working knowledge of, or experience with, state, Tribal, or Federal
  government pesticide laws and programs.
• Experience or knowledge of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or similar chemicals as they relate to the environment, agriculture, or agricultural chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, adjuvants, etc.
• Knowledge of herbicide resistance, pesticide formulations, toxicology, fate and transport
  properties, or benefits and risks associated with pesticides and related technologies.
  Experience working with the public, media, or Minnesota agricultural organizations on complex and controversial scientific or policy issues.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. us and indicate what assistance is needed.