Competitive salary: $67,288 - $95,867 Annually

Who We Are:

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio!

The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation.

ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch.

You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.

What We Do:

Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!

The Soil and Water Conservation Division at the Ohio Department of Agriculture leads statewide efforts to protect and enhance Ohio’s soil and water resources. The division supports all 88 county Soil and Water Conservation Districts through technical guidance, training, regulatory oversight, and conservation program funding. It works closely with local, state, and federal partners to reduce agricultural runoff, promote sustainable land management practices, and improve watershed health. The team plays a critical role in safeguarding natural resources while supporting Ohio’s agricultural community!

What You’ll Do:

No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio. This role is located in the Division of Soil and Water's Grazing Section. This is a state-wide position and may require travel to all 88 counties for events, outreach activities, or on-site farm visits. Candidates may select a primary work location from the options listed below. These offices serve as the employee's designated home base for administrative support and reporting.

Available Primary Work Locations (Candidate's Choice)

Ross County Office - 475 Western Ave., Suite H. Chillicothe, OH 45601

Perry County Office - 109 E. Gay St. Somerset, OH 43783

Clark County Office - 3130 East Main St. Springfield, OH 45503

This position is responsible for:

• In the Division of Soil & Water Conservation provides grazing assistance and expertise for the H2Ohio program and other nonpoint source pollution abatement programs statewide

• Assists SWCDs with producer follow up, questions and inquiries related to livestock management, site visits, conservation planning, mapping, nutrient management, conducting inventories and evaluations & development of Grazing Management Plans

• Assists with training agency personnel (e.g., Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Natural Resources Conservation Service, OSU Extension) on development and implementation of effective grazing management

• Develop and coordinate training programs for SWCD’s, conservation partnership employees, and producer organizations

• Assists with producer and staff education events and workshops that involve grazing management

• Performs other duties as assigned

• Supports local Soil and Water Conservation District Programs and the mission of the Division of Soil and Water

• Communicates with other DSWC staff on program needs

• Attends meetings on behalf of DSWC

• Assists with various SWCD or DSWC training

• Develops reports

• Performs administrative duties as needed

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

What’s in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are available the following month after your hire date.

Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Maternity Benefits

· 12 weeks paid childbirth leave at 70% with option to supplement to 100%

· Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.

· Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include:

o Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.

o Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).

o Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.

o Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.

o Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.

· Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits.

Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

48 months training or 48 months experience in natural resources specialty indicated under job duties within approved position description; valid driver’s license.

-Or undergraduate major core program & 24 months training or 24 months experience in natural resources specialty indicated under job duties within approved position; valid driver’s license.

-Or completion of graduate major core program & 12 months experience in natural resources specialty indicated under job duties within approved position description; valid driver’s license.

-Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.

This position is overtime exempt.

If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.

Unusual Working Conditions:

Requires travel. Flexible work schedule to attend meetings and respond to concerns after normal work hours.

For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact:

Ryan Gunter

Ryan.Gunter@agri.ohio.gov

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). The recommended candidate for this position will be required to take a drug screen as part of their approval process. A candidate who tests positive for illegal or improperly used controlled drugs will not be hired.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.