Job Details

Working Title: Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division Director
Job Class: State Program Administrator Manager Principal
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 96763
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 09/03/2026
• Closing Date: 09/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $50.04 - $71.75 / hourly; $104,483 - $149,814 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Managerial Plan
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : 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.

Job Summary

This position is a leader within the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and acts as the Division Director for the Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division which is comprised of seven (7) sections and 130 staff members. This position will manage programs and supervise staff within the division and is responsible for all activities, policies and operations of programs, rules and statutes relating to pesticides, fertilizers and soil and plant management.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing the budget, activities and personnel of the division.
• Procuring sufficient funding, positions, and supporting resources to allow responsible and responsive operation of division programs.
• Providing overall planning and direction for goals, objectives, policies and procedures of all regulatory programs within the division.
• Implementing the regulatory and non-regulatory programs of the state of Minnesota and the policies of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
• Assuring that division staff provide efficient and effective regulation, policy, enforcement, and service to clientele and the public.

Qualifications

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.

Five (5) years of experience working in agriculture, natural resources or environmental program management.NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture Marketing, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business, Environmental Studies or related field may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

Demonstrated leadership experience as a supervisor, team lead, or lead worker or the completion of a State leadership development program, such as Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) or Senior Leadership Institute (SLI), or completion of a similar or equivalent leadership program through another organization.

Experience and knowledge working with crop production systems, agricultural and conservation best management practices, public policy in the agriculture - conservation - environmental intersection and social indicators that impact soil health and water quality.

Budgeting and fiscal management experience for a large program.

Experience in long-range and strategic planning, developing operational plans, developing procedures and directing projects.

Ability to provide leadership within project teams, which includes group facilitation, team building and decision-making.

The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture Marketing, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business, Environmental Studies or related field

Two (2) or more years of supervisory or managerial experience directing the work of agriculture programs and staff.

Knowledge of government budgeting processes, including biennial budget development, proposal and administration sufficient to develop and manage a budget involving multiple funding sources.

Experience comprehending and communicating a wide variety of complex policies and procedures.

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
• Driver's License Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal Background Check

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Peder Kjeseth at [email protected] .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Becky Hierlinger at [email protected] .

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.