State of Maine

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST IV

(PESTICIDES)

• ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date:

April 11, 2025

Closing Date:

May 06, 2025

Location:

Augusta

Position #:

00500-0688

Position Type:

Full Time

Class Code:

9254

Grade/Salary:

Grade 26 (Supervisory) - $61,068.80 - $86,361.60 Per Year*

• (This includes the 2.25% Salary Adjustment)

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is recruiting to fill the position of Environmental Specialist IV (Pesticides) in Augusta, Maine.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Maine Board of Pesticides Control, has a current full-time vacancy based in Augusta. The position will:

• Manage certification, licensing and worker protection programs
• Provide expertise on current regulations and policies
• Research and present relevant issues to the public Board
• Manage the annual EPA Pesticide Programs cooperative agreement grant
• Develop educational content for presentation to licensees and other audiences
• Manage and train staff on outreach efforts
• Collaborate with staff and partners (pesticide applicators, pesticide safety education professionals, manual writers, extension specialists and educators) to develop pest management manuals and licensing exams
• Work with IT personnel on revision and maintenance of the BPC licensing software solution, and provide training and support to staff
• Manage maintenance of electronic outreach platforms and development of relevant posts

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities required:

• Knowledge of pesticides, pesticide use and integrated pest management in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, industrial and residential settings
• Ability to interpret and draft amendments to regulations and laws related to pesticide use, and answer inquiries from pesticide applicators, the public and the Board
• Ability to develop presentations, give presentations, and train staff to deliver presentations, to a diversity of audiences
• Ability to develop, submit and administer program budgets to maintain the annual Federal grant
• Ability to supervise certification and licensing staff and oversee the work of various programs within the division to ensure effective operations
• Ability to write reports and press releases
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups on various projects

For questions specific to the position, please contact Alexander Peacock at: Alexander.R.Peacock@maine.gov or (207) 441-4193.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: An eight (8) year combination of education and/or experience in environmental science or related area which includes at least two (2) years of supervisory or program management/administration experience. Qualifying education must include at least 15 credit hours of science or engineering coursework.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter, a current Resume, and three (3) reference contacts. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter, a current Resume, and three (3) reference contacts, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value).
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.