Working Title: Pesticide Outreach Coordinator
Job Class: Research Scientist 2
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job ID : 92626
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 03/16/2026.
Date Posted : 03/10/2026
Closing Date : 03/30/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Division/Unit : Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division / Pesticide Technical Unit
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 10%
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position is located in St. Paul and may have the ability to telework. The incumbent must be available and have means for reasonable travel, including overnight stays on occasion.
This position exists to lead the pesticide outreach program at the MDA and research non-agricultural pesticide use. The incumbent will research, design, implement, and evaluate statewide outreach efforts, with an emphasis on urban/residential pesticide use, that promote the responsible use of pesticides to protect human health and the environment. Outreach will address gaps in access to information and ensure that pesticide users have the knowledge needed to use pesticides safely and responsibly. The incumbent will promote existing pesticide best management practices and develop new outreach tools such as written material, presentations, videos, web pages, and other communication materials. With specialized professional knowledge of pesticide use, regulations, and science the incumbent will coordinate and conduct prioritized pesticide outreach with MDA's technical staff and external stakeholders in adherence with the Pesticide Management Plan.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
A Master's or higher degree in an Environmental or Agricultural Sciences field such as: Agricultural Education, Weed Science, Plant Pathology, Applied Plant Science, Entomology, Natural Resources Management, or a closely related field.
Three (3) years of practical experience designing, conducting, and measuring impacts of outreach on an environmental or agricultural topic; a PhD in an environmental, agricultural, or closely related science field may substitute for two years of experience.
Knowledge of pesticide use practices and pesticide related environmental and human health issues in Minnesota or comparable conditions.
Experience leading or managing outreach or education work.
Excellent oral and written communication skills suitable for communicating with diverse groups including farmers, scientists, and residential pesticide users.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
A PhD in an environmental or agricultural science or a closely related field.
More than 3 years of practical experience designing, conducting, and measuring impacts of outreach on an environmental or agricultural topic.
Experience educating urban or residential pesticide users in Minnesota or comparable conditions.
Program evaluation experience, including measuring outreach effectiveness and using results to improve future efforts.
A demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific and regulatory information into plain language.
Experience with graphic design, video production, or digital content creation.
A demonstrated working knowledge of, or experience with, state, Tribal, or Federal government pesticide laws and programs.
Physical Requirements
Much of the work for this position will be performed in indoor conditions. However, the incumbent will occasionally be required to work outdoors in field conditions or overnight for conferences and events.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Conflict of Interest Review
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
