Job Title:    Certification and Training Assistant

Division:     Regulatory and Environmental Affairs

Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center Charleston, WV

FLSA Status:Non-Exempt

Salary:         $28,000 - $30,000

Funding for this position is dependent upon the EPA Pesticide Cooperative Agreement. It is expected, but not assured, that Federal funding will be on a continuing basis.  In the event of funding loss, this position may be terminated.

Nature of Work: Under general supervision, an employee in this position performs advanced level clerical tasks of a complicated nature involving interpretation and application of policies and practices.

Examples of Work:

• Answers telephone requests and interacts with the public about pesticide applicator examination materials, certification records, and training credits.
• Schedules and administers pesticide applicator certification examinations.
• Researches files for data and gathers information or statistics.
• Prepares reports and printouts regarding pesticide education and certification activities.
• Assists with certification and recertification workshops.
• Monitors continuing education credits for certifications.
• Receives, sorts, and distributes incoming and outgoing mail as needed.
• Assists with the agriculture health and safety program meetings, mailings, and other duties.
• Collaborates/cooperates with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States Department of Agriculture, West Virginia University Cooperative Extension Service, industry, and farm groups.
• Operates all standard office equipment including a computer to enter, access, and update or manipulate data to perform a variety of clerical duties; may run reports from the database and analyze data for program support.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment; standing, sitting, driving, operating a computer and other office equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic.
• Knowledge of general office procedures including typing, filing, use of office equipment.
• Ability to learn and carry out program operations and policies with respect to general functions performed.
• Prior knowledge of USAPLANTS helpful, but not required.
• Ability to learn the state and federal pesticide laws pertaining to pesticide applicator licensing and certification requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, regulated groups, and the public.
• Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing.
• The employee may on occasion be required to travel and assist with the support of training activities.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or completion of an Associate Degree in Office Management preferred.
• Experience: Two years of full-time paid employment in office clerical work, one of which must have included complex or administrative duties.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.