Wisconsin Department of Agriculture hiring for CAPS state survey coordinator position

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer protection is hiring for our CAPS state survey coordinator position. Please forward this announcement to any candidate you feel may be a good fit. If you have questions about this position please don't hesitate to reach out.  Job Posting: https://wj.wi.gov/6840 Posting closes: Monday, August 1, 2022 at 11:59pm. Location: Madison, WI at the Prairie Oaks State Office Building situated on Madison’s southeast side. Telecommuting may be allowed up to 60% in each 2-week pay period. Position Description: This position is the statewide technical survey expert on plant pests/diseases responsible for prioritization, development and implementation of plant pest/disease surveys; coordination with other state and federal agencies and private industry; and inspections of crops and commodities for plant health certification. Data management, reporting on new and trending pest conditions and dissemination of information are essential components of this professional position.   This position serves as the State Survey Coordinator of the Federal Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program. This role is instrumental in acquiring and managing federal grants of approximately $100,000 or more to support the infrastructure and the survey and identification functions of the Plant Industry Bureau. Additionally, this position participates in the Regulated Organism, Soil and Biological Control Permit Program to prevent entry of damaging plant pests/pathogens into the state that may harm crops and negatively impact Wisconsin agriculture. Furthermore, this position serves the department and the state in Emergency Response Planning for developing procedures to find and isolate plant pests/pathogens and diseased plants, and developing the capacity for critical communication between partnering agencies and stakeholders. This position functions independently under general supervision.  Salary: The classification of this position is Plant Pest Disease Specialist – Advanced which is in schedule/range 15-03. The starting pay for this position is $31.00 to $33.50 per hour ($64,480 to $69,680 annually) based on qualifications. This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION: 1.       Considerable knowledge of survey techniques and identification of plant pests/diseases.  2.       Knowledge in the identification of a wide range of agronomic, forest, ornamental or weed plants in all growth stages. 3.       Considerable knowledge of principles associated with cultural, biological, and chemical control of plant pests/diseases. 4.       Working knowledge of inspection procedures combined with knowledge of quarantine and eradication principles. 5.       Working knowledge of the laws, codes, regulations and policies pertaining to plant pests, plant pest and plant movements, import regulations of other states and countries, and pesticide use. 6.       Working knowledge of software, spreadsheets, databases and electronic devices used to collect, document and manage field survey data. 7.       Ability to apply the principles and techniques of effective communication and explanation of plant pest/disease risk, both orally and in writing.  8.       Knowledge of program planning and evaluation techniques. 9.       Knowledge of effective training skills, team leadership practices and meeting facilitation techniques. 10.   Effective networking and liaison skills.