Agronomist
State of North Carolina
Date: 8 hours ago
City: Raleigh, NC
Contract type: Full time
Description of Work
The NCDA&CS Agronomic Division provides statewide diagnostic and advisory services aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, promoting responsible land management, and safeguarding environmental quality. The Division consists of three laboratory sections and a field services section, with a combined total of 60 employees.
The Soil Testing section is pleased to announce the opening of an Agronomist I position. The successful candidate will serve as a technical advisor to North Carolina growers and producers. The soil agronomist will provide advisory services based on soil test results to help clients increase plant productivity, promote responsible land management, and protect environmental quality.
The NCDA&CS Soil Testing lab is the largest publicly operated soil testing laboratory in the United States, analyzing approximately 300,000 samples annually. Its daily production capacity exceeds 3,000 samples, utilizing customdesigned robotic equipment in a robust analytical environment. Laboratory data are used to generate soil test reports that include test results, as well as lime and fertilizer recommendations. Approximately 85% of the samples are agriculturally based, primarily from North Carolina commercial farms producing crops such as corn, soybeans, small grains, cotton, peanuts, tobacco, sweet potatoes, blueberries, Fraser fir, and other commodities. Additionally, other clients, including homeowners, golf course managers, and researchers, also utilize the soil testing service.
Duties Involve
A written exam about basic plant nutrition and soil fertility will be given at the conclusion of the interview.
Click Here To Learn More About State Employee Benefits.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides 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.
Click Here to Watch this video to Learn How to Apply.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities / Competencies
You may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both.
Bachelor's degree in agronomy, soil science, agricultural science, horticultural science, plant nutrition, crop science, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and three years experience in the advisory, experimental or educational aspects of plant nutrition or soil management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Transcript required for education beyond a high school diploma. Credit will not be given for degrees or coursework unless a transcript is provided with the state application or during the interview process.
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 the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all 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. *
Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.
NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.
For Permanent And Time-limited Appointments
Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.
01
Have you ever been convicted of an offense against the law other than a minor traffic violation? (A conviction does not mean that you cannot be hired. The offense and how recently you were convicted will be evaluated in relation to the job for which you are applying).
If you answered "yes" that you have been convicted of an offense against the law other than a minor traffic violation, please explain the nature of the conviction and the date. If you answered "no" enter NA
03
To the best of your knowledge, have you or a company that you have worked for been given a warning letter, civil penalty, notice of violation or a settlement agreement by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or one of its divisions while you were employed with that company?
If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please explain the nature of the warning letter, civil penalty, notice of violation or settlement agreement, the date, and how it was resolved if you have knowledge of that information. If you answered "No", please type N/A.
The NCDA&CS Agronomic Division provides statewide diagnostic and advisory services aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, promoting responsible land management, and safeguarding environmental quality. The Division consists of three laboratory sections and a field services section, with a combined total of 60 employees.
The Soil Testing section is pleased to announce the opening of an Agronomist I position. The successful candidate will serve as a technical advisor to North Carolina growers and producers. The soil agronomist will provide advisory services based on soil test results to help clients increase plant productivity, promote responsible land management, and protect environmental quality.
The NCDA&CS Soil Testing lab is the largest publicly operated soil testing laboratory in the United States, analyzing approximately 300,000 samples annually. Its daily production capacity exceeds 3,000 samples, utilizing customdesigned robotic equipment in a robust analytical environment. Laboratory data are used to generate soil test reports that include test results, as well as lime and fertilizer recommendations. Approximately 85% of the samples are agriculturally based, primarily from North Carolina commercial farms producing crops such as corn, soybeans, small grains, cotton, peanuts, tobacco, sweet potatoes, blueberries, Fraser fir, and other commodities. Additionally, other clients, including homeowners, golf course managers, and researchers, also utilize the soil testing service.
Duties Involve
- Interpreting soil laboratory results and recommending corrective actions.
- Advising North Carolina citizens via phone, on-site visits, or electronic communication regarding plant nutritional issues and soil fertility problems. Educating North Carolina residents about the availability of soil testing services and the proper collection of samples.
- Assisting with quality management of laboratory data and recommendations.
- Collaborating daily with laboratory and administrative staff to ensure accurate handling of samples and accurate lab reports.
- Conducting tours of the Soil Testing Laboratory.
- Preparing and distributing educational news releases and journal articles statewide.
- Compiling and summarizing laboratory data for distribution and publication.
- Presenting information and promoting division services at grower and commodity group meetings.
- Participating in and conducting field fertility trials.
- Providing technical and educational support to the Plant, Waste, Solution, Media, and Nematode Assay Sections as needed.
A written exam about basic plant nutrition and soil fertility will be given at the conclusion of the interview.
Click Here To Learn More About State Employee Benefits.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides 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.
Click Here to Watch this video to Learn How to Apply.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities / Competencies
- Knowledge of soil chemistry principles, plant nutrition, fertilizer products, and crop/soil management practices consistent with state soil characteristics and cropping systems, with sufficient ability to complete a written practicum test.
- Ability to interpret soil test results and make appropriate recommendations that balance economic and environmental interests while sustaining viable crop production.
- Ability to effectively communicate orally with farmers, homeowners, fertilizer dealers, lime vendors, and other agricultural organizations and agencies.
- Ability to maintain a positive and courteous attitude towards clients and co-workers.
- Ability to write educational brochures and notes on crop management practices for public distribution.
You may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both.
Bachelor's degree in agronomy, soil science, agricultural science, horticultural science, plant nutrition, crop science, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and three years experience in the advisory, experimental or educational aspects of plant nutrition or soil management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Transcript required for education beyond a high school diploma. Credit will not be given for degrees or coursework unless a transcript is provided with the state application or during the interview process.
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 the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all 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. *
Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.
NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.
For Permanent And Time-limited Appointments
Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.
01
Have you ever been convicted of an offense against the law other than a minor traffic violation? (A conviction does not mean that you cannot be hired. The offense and how recently you were convicted will be evaluated in relation to the job for which you are applying).
- Yes
- No
If you answered "yes" that you have been convicted of an offense against the law other than a minor traffic violation, please explain the nature of the conviction and the date. If you answered "no" enter NA
03
To the best of your knowledge, have you or a company that you have worked for been given a warning letter, civil penalty, notice of violation or a settlement agreement by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or one of its divisions while you were employed with that company?
- Yes
- No
If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please explain the nature of the warning letter, civil penalty, notice of violation or settlement agreement, the date, and how it was resolved if you have knowledge of that information. If you answered "No", please type N/A.
- Required Question
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