State Entomologist

The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for our State Entomologist in HelenaMontana. Position is open until filled with first review of candidates May 5 2025.

The mission of the Department of Agriculture is Serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky.

The Agricultural Sciences Division provide agricultural producers and consumers commodity and environmental protection through the administration of the Montana laws and rules in the areas of pesticides groundwater monitoring noxious control feeds fertilizers seed anhydrous ammonia grain commodity dealers commodity warehousemen nurseries produce mint honey bees alfalfa leaf cutting bees and other services including organic certification pest management consulting laboratory analysis pest surveys export certification and quarantines.

Job Overview:

The State Entomologist oversees the Departments apiary alfalfa leafcutting bee (ALCB) and general entomological programs. This position provides regulatory oversight for the Montana beekeeping industry and provides analysis of alfalfa leafcutting bee health for the Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee; plans coordinates and conducts inspections and investigations; provides education training and technical and compliance assistance and makes regulatory decisions. General entomological duties are required from the public and other agencies.

As a State Entomologist you will:

• Plan prepare and implement inspections for agricultural programs.
• Collect or direct collection of samples for official plant or soil analysis.
• Maintain standard operating procedures manuals reports data and other relevant documentation for agricultural programs and operations.
• Provide information or recommendations to best use land promote plant growth and avoid or correct agricultural problems.
• Coordinate communications and technical support services between agricultural program staff inspectors clients community organizations and the public.
• Respond to inquiries for agricultural programs and requirements.
• Conduct plant and soil research investigations and prepare reports.
• Prepare and deliver training courses seminars and workshops for agricultural program topics.
• Create and interpret laws policies procedures and rules for agricultural programs and operations.
• Provide the results of regulatory research and agricultural projects to other professionals and the public.
• As subjectmatter expert provide guidance and consultation for disputes and initiatives.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Exposure to conditions and/or chemicals common to agriculture and animals.
• May work with hazardous chemicals.
• Frequently works outside in varying terrain and may be exposed to inclement weather conditions.
• May work long irregular hours.
• May operate a variety of vehicles equipment and trailers.
• Ability to manage mediate and handle confrontational situations that often result from the regulatory nature of the positions.
• Some work conditions require protective clothing and/or a respirator.
• Ability to lift 50lbs.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge in the concepts theories principles and practices of arthropod taxonomy morphology physiology and ecology.
• Knowledge of principles methods and techniques of field data surveying scientific sampling and analysis.
• Knowledge of insecticides fumigants and related pesticides commonly used in agriculture forestry and urban environments; and insecticidal modes of action residual characteristics nontarget problems and persistence as related to Montanas environmental conditions.
• Knowledge of applicable pesticide apiary and plant protection laws administrative rules and regulations; use of biological control agents and integrated pest management techniques.
• Skills in the safe and effective use of pesticide application equipment and in establishing project parameters according to sitespecific conditions.
• Skills in applying inspection and investigation procedures and operating specialized survey sampling and laboratory equipment (e.g. Xrays traps etc. is required.
• Strong computer skills including MS Office programs database softwareand webbased apps.
• Ability to plan design organize and coordinate a variety survey and sampling projects; adapt established project parameters according to sitespecific conditions and/or unusual or unprecedented circumstances (e.g. weather conditions accidents involving pesticides etc..
• Ability to review evaluate and develop technical reports and training manuals and materials on insect pest management; direct and motivate others toward common goals and objectives; prioritize work according to multiple projects and available resources; and the ability to plan organize and conduct scientific research as well as analyze and interpret data results.
• Knowledge of bee biology commercial beekeeping practices and basic knowledge of honeybee pests and diseases.
• Skills in basic insect identification.
• Knowledge ofprinciples and practices of agricultural science entomology botany plant pathology and taxonomy.
• Skills in translating complex technical and scientific information to broad audiences and coordinating programs involving people with diverse backgrounds private businesses members of the public and others.
• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically both verbally and in writing.
• Initiative to work in a selfdirected and proactive manner.
• Solution driven and ability to problem solve.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.