Environmental Scientist

At the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, we are committed to serving, advocating for, protecting, and promoting agriculture to benefit everyone through support for diversity, innovation, research, and trade. As a valued member of the department, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports the agriculture industry and the citizens of North Dakota.


We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including fully paid family health insurance, paid holidays and leave, a retirement plan, a flexible work schedule, and opportunities for professional growth and development.


Salary Range: $5,000-$5,500 per month


Position Summary


As an Environmental Scientist, you will serve as a key member of the Pesticide and Fertilizer Division, administering environmental and regulatory programs that support the North Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission to serve, advocate, protect, and promote agriculture. Responsibilities include managing pesticide and fertilizer regulatory programs, evaluating environmental impacts, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and providing technical expertise on environmental and agricultural issues.


Additional duties include program administration, budget oversight, legislative and rule review, data analysis, reporting, and supervision of assigned staff to ensure effective delivery of division programs and services.

Work Location

This position is based on-site at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck and requires regular in-office presence to support the Agriculture Commissioner, collaborate with the Pesticide and Fertilizer Division, and carry out the responsibilities of the position.


Minimum Qualifications


The successful candidate must have a bachelor's degree in agriculture, agronomy, natural resources, environmental science, biological science, or a closely related field; or an associate degree in a related field and at least two years of professional experience in pesticide and/or fertilizer regulation, environmental programs, agriculture, or a closely related field.

In addition to the education and experience requirements, the successful candidate must possess strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; be able to travel both in-state and out-of-state, including overnight and occasional weekend travel, for field inspections, conferences, meetings, and training; and possess a valid driver's license to perform the travel and inspection responsibilities of the position.


Preferred Qualifications


Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of and/or professional experience in North Dakota agriculture, including a working knowledge of the state's agricultural industry and major pesticide and fertilizer products and their uses. Candidates should also have an understanding of state and federal pesticide and fertilizer registration laws; knowledge of pesticide environmental fate and toxicity; and familiarity with threatened and endangered species laws and regulations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and prior supervisory experience are also desired.


Application Procedures


Applicants must complete the online application through the ND Careers website at before the closing date at 11:59 PM CT. The application must include a resume, cover letter, and official or unofficial transcripts.

The cover letter should provide a detailed explanation of how the applicant's education, professional experience, and skills align with the qualifications and responsibilities of the position.

Because this position has access to restricted information, the successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory criminal background check.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture does not provide employment sponsorship.

Applicants experiencing technical difficulties with the application process should contact View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.

For questions about the position or to request accommodation or assistance during the application or selection process, please contact Shelley Theisen, Human Resource Officer, at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

About Team ND


"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt


More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team memberswith a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Equal Employment Opportunity


The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.