The NCDA&CS Agronomic Division provides statewide diagnostic and advisory services that increase agricultural productivity, promote responsible land management, and safeguard environmental quality.  The Division is comprised of three laboratory sections and a field services section with a combined total of 60 employees. 

The Plant/Waste/Solution/Media (PWSM) Analysis Laboratory is pleased to announce the opening of an Agronomist 1 position. Employee works directly under the laboratory director of Plant/Waste/Solution/Media (PWSM) section as a technical advisor to N.C. growers and producers. 

Duties involve:

• Interpreting laboratory results for plant, waste, solution, and soilless media samples to make recommendations for corrective actions.
• Advising N.C. citizens by phone, on-site visits, or electronic communication concerning plant nutritional and soil fertility problems.
• Educating N.C. citizens regarding availability of PWSM services and proper collection of samples. 
• Preparing educational news releases and journal articles for statewide distribution.
• Presenting information and promoting division services at grower and commodity group meetings.
• Conducting tours of the PWSM lab.
• Participating in and conducting field and greenhouse fertility tests. 
• Interacting with laboratory and administrative staff daily on proper handling of samples to ensure accuracy of lab reports.
• Assisting with quality management of laboratory data and recommendations.
• Compiling and summarizing laboratory data for distribution and publication.

Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday but occasional remote work is permitted, and occasional overtime work may be required.

A written exam about basic plant nutrition and soil fertility will be given at the conclusion of the interview.

Benefits include: 

• Twelve paid holidays per year.
• At least fourteen days of vacation leave and twelve days of sick leave per year.
• Three days of community service leave per year. 
• A full range of financial and health benefits including a retirement plan, supplemental retirement/deferred

compensation programs, health and life insurance, vision, and dental insurance.

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits. 

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provide services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians.  The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees. 

Click Here to Watch this video to Learn How to Apply.

The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position.  We will not review resumes in lieu of Experience and Education listed on the application.  

To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:

• Knowledge of the basic principles of plant nutrition and soil fertility.
• Ability to prepare analytical reports and to organize and present scientific information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to interpret and apply research data as it relates to agricultural testing.
• Ability to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) and to establish effective working relationships with farmers, homeowners, agricultural groups, and university/extension specialists.
• Ability to maintain a positive and courteous attitude towards clients and co-workers.

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES:

Understanding of chemistry in environmental and agricultural applications.

You may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both.

Note: Transcript required for education beyond a high school diploma. Credit will not be given for degrees or coursework unless a transcript is provided with the state application or during the interview process. .

Bachelor's degree in agronomy, soil science, agricultural science, horticultural science, plant nutrition, crop science, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and three years' experience in the advisory, experimental or educational aspects of plant nutrition or soil management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.  
Please follow instructions to apply on-line.  It is important that your application includes all of your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application.  Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.   
All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety sensitive positions and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing.  All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment.  If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.    
*Note:  When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete.*  
Questions regarding this posting?  Contact 919-707-3201