Hotline: 678-408-1354

Agriculture Program Manager (Organics Program Manager)

"Serving consumers and agriculture by safeguarding the public, plants, animals and the environment through education and regulation."

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an Agriculture Program Manager in the Agricultural Inspections division that will be responsible for organizing and planning the enforcement of Federal and State laws and regulations governing the Organic program.

The Organics Food Program protects consumers and supports the development of the organics food industry by ensuring the integrity of organic food products through establishing organic standards and certifying organic producers, processors and handlers. The program also provides technical information about organic food production and assists in the development of markets for the organic food industry.

Job Summary:

To plan, implement, evaluate, coordinate and supervise the statewide Organic Certification Program, and consult with department staff, other governmental entities, the agricultural industry and perform related duties.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Determine compliance with the Idaho Laws, Rules, and National Organic Program and provide organic certification to farms, ranches, handlers, and processing operations.
  • Review organic food products for compliance in labeling formulation and advertising.
  • Represent the department at organic food association meetings and workshops.
  • Perform follow-up reviews of non-compliance, investigates consumer complaints and appears as a witness for legal and administrative hearings.
  • Assign inspectors and coordinates field inspections.
  • Review inspection reports filed by inspection staff.
  • Facilitate Organic Food Advisory Council meetings and generates minutes of the meetings.
  • Explain certification procedures to organic growers.
  • Manage the compilation of year-end organic statistical reports.
  • Answer concerns from organic growers, handlers, consumers and local state and federal agencies on labeling, allowable inputs and inspection protocols.
  • Provide information concerning cultural practices and materials acceptable for organic production and marketing.
  • Enforce standards for the production, processing and handling of organic foods. This would include amending rules, coordination of rule making, and then the communication and education of affected parties.
  • Work with legislators and legislative staff on legislation pertaining to organic food.
  • Conduct educational and outreach activities to support the development of a sustainable organics system.
  • Give presentations on the Organic Food Program to the news media, agricultural industry, consumers, and other interested parties.
  • Conduct inspector annual training.
  • Supervise one Program Specialist, five Ag Investigator Srs., and one contract inspector.
  • Maintain NOP Accreditation.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners, customers, and stakeholders.
  • When funding is available, organizing and planning the enforcement of Federal and State laws and regulations governing the Potato Brand program.


Minimum Qualifications:
This qualification is a mandatory requirement.

  • Some knowledge of management practices.


Specialties Qualifications:
These qualifications are mandatory requirements.

  • Considerable knowledge of organic and sustainable farming methods including knowledge of agriculture chemicals and food technology.
  • Experience in working as a liaison to local government, state government, federal government or interest groups.


Desirable Qualifications:
This qualification is not required however if you have the related background it may increase your score.

  • Ideal candidate would have experience as an inspector with a certification from a national recognized inspector training association.


Temporary appointments from this announcement, serving at least one thousand forty (1,040) hours of continuous service, may be hired as an entrance probationary employee without further examination for the same classification and location as announced.

Examination: Education and Experience. Enter your responses to the questions in the spaces provided in the examination. You must have the minimum level of experience, training, or education described for each question to qualify for this position. Scoring will be based on the information you provide. A minimum rating of 70 is needed to pass this examination. Notification of your test results will be available online when the review process is complete. To preview the exam, click on the "Preview Exam" link at the bottom of this page (you will not be able to take the exam from this screen). If you wish to take the exam, click on the Apply Online button and follow the instructions provided.

Contact Us

Eltas EnterPrises Inc.
3978 Windgrove Crossing
Suite 200A
Suwanee, Georgia
30024, USA
contact@eltasjobs.com

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