Program Manager IV State Chemist Section

Position Title: Program Manager IV State Chemist Section Supervisory

Organization: Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) – Plant Industries & Pest Management, State Chemists Section Position

Summary: To provide administration and management for the programs of the State Chemist Section, which is comprised of a Registration Group, an Inspection Group, and a Laboratory Group. The role administers and implements four Statutes in the Agriculture Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland relating to the registration, regulations, inspection, and laboratory analysis of commodities, including: animal feed, fertilizers, pesticides, soil conditioners, pesticide/fertilizers, and liming materials/facilities.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

● Section Administration and Management (50%): Directs and coordinates Section activities, including equipment and supplies purchasing, program development, and program evaluation. This includes providing technical or scientific guidance to chemists, field inspectors, and administrative staff, preparing reports, and performing fiscal and budgetary management of Section programs.

● Planning, Coordination, and Representation (20%): Plans, organizes, and directs staff activities and evaluates program effectiveness. This position acts as the Department’s representative and expert advisor on issues relating to regulated industries and chemistry and cooperates with other State and federal agencies (e.g., USDA, EPA, FDA, MDE, DNR).

● Laws and Regulations (15%): Determines and recommends appropriate regulation development and implementation necessary to enforce State and federal laws pertaining to pesticides and animal feed. This includes drafting Departmental positions on proposed legislation and testifying before the Maryland General Assembly.

● Personnel and Supervision (10%): Directly supervises Section supervisory personnel for field inspection, laboratory analysis, product registration, and clerical staff.

● Management of Grants and Agreements (5%): Responsible for fiscal management and expenditures associated with various grants, and cooperatives agreements, and cooperates with other sections of the Department in the conduct of grant programs. Supervisory Responsibility This position supervises employees and leads others. Direct reports include the Administrative Officer III, Agriculture Inspector Manager, and Laboratory Manager. Supervisory functions include assigning and reviewing work, approving leave, signing timecards, signing annual performance ratings, interviewing and selecting new employees, and discipline.

Equipment used: 

Machinery and tools used to complete this job; personal computer, calculator, typewriter, hand tools, measuring devices and lab equipment. Computers, Webfocus, SalesForce, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat DC, sophisticated, sensitive laboratory equipment required for the chemical testing of fertilizer, feed, and pesticide samples.

Minimum Qualifications
A Chemist Supervisor typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related science, 3 years of laboratory experience, and demonstrated leadership skills. Key requirements include proficiency in analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, ICP, MS), knowledge of safety regulations (CLIA, OSHA), and strong, professional communication abilities. Educational Requirements

● Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or closely related physical science. Experience Requirements

● Laboratory Experience: 5 years of progressive experience in a professional, analytical, or clinical laboratory setting.

● Supervisory Experience: 3 years of experience in leading teams, mentoring staff, or managing lab operations.

● Technical Expertise: Proficiency in advanced instrumentation such as ICP-MS, Randox,GC-MS/HPLC, wet chemistry methods, ICP, IR, GCMS, LCMS, GCFID, LC UV/Vis, Elemental Analysis, basic analytical titrations, and UV/Vis.

● Experience with feed, fertilizer, lime, compost, soil conditioners and pesticides registration process and approval.

Send resume and cover letter to:

Michael Calkins, Assistant Secretary of Plant Industries and Pest Management

Michael.Calkins@Maryland.gov 

410-841-5872