Certification Manager, Pesticide Safety

Title: Certification Manager, Pesticide Safety

Appointment: Full-time, Administrative Associate 2 (8208A2); Civil Service

Program Area: Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education (PSEE)

Office Location: 340 Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus

Reports to: Associate Director, PSEE program

Salary range: $25-$32 an hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Apply By: August 17, 2025

This position is part of Extension's Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education (PSEE) program team. The PSEE program provides statewide education and leadership for pesticide-related topics of appropriate use, safety, health, security and environmental protection using integrated pest management and occupational safety frameworks. PSEE provides education for Minnesota's 17,000 certified farmers and other agricultural producers through its Private Pesticide Applicator Training program (PPAT). The PSEE program is the major provider in Minnesota of education to the more than 11,000 occupational and professional licensed and certified pesticide applicators in natural resources,

The Certification Manager will provide private pesticide applicator precertification and recertification exams and exam processes statewide. This work encompasses the Minnesota rural environment including agricultural crops, seed treatment, livestock, and non-soil and soil fumigation. agriculture, horticulture, public health and other industries and business sectors. This position may assist Extension Educators and other pesticide subject matter experts as they develop educational materials and presentations, provide a wide range of educational workshops, have a growing social media presence, and are responsible for Minnesota's various pesticide applicator certification categories study manuals.

This position's main responsibility will be managing the PPAT exam process. In doing so, they will develop working relationships with and work directly with Extension Educators and subject matter experts, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), and other industry professionals. The successful candidate must have a strong technical understanding of exam and certification exam creation, preparation, administration and evaluation and will work on meeting learning objectives of the participants.

Major areas of responsibility:

Manage the Private Pesticide Applicator (PPAT) Certification and related exam development and testing program (70%):

• Design and develop exams (formative, summative, certification/licensure) through consultation with subject matter experts, workshop participation, form review, process documentation and procedural compliance.
• Consult with subject matter experts to write and review exam items/questions. Will be required to facilitate discussions with subject matter experts in the production of cohesive, relevant, and challenging examination items.
• Prepare for and manage remote, virtual, and in-person examination development workshop processes and logistics.
• Provide for and maintain item bank and workshop security documentation in accordance with program guidelines that meet industry standards (e.g., validity, reliability, fairness, accessibility).
• Support examination forensic and test invalidation processes including some exam proctoring as determined by PPAT process and Director of PSEE.
• Support and assist Extension Educators and others with examination adaptation activities and workshops (planning, logistics, organization tasks).
• Work with the University's test development learning management systems (LMS), forensic, and other vendors to maximize the effectiveness and productivity of contractor relationships.
• Understand and adhere to requirements as they relate to qualifications and respect the boundaries between test development (this role) and education functions (Extension Educators and faculty).
• Participate in standard-setting studies and job/task analyses as needed.
• Stay updated on trends and best practices in assessment, testing, and psychometrics.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Manage Private Pesticide Applicator (PPAT) educational partnerships and objectives (30%):

• Facilitate needs analysis, collaboratively working with subject matter experts and Extension Educators to assist in aligning curriculum with their needs and ensure its effectiveness as it relates to examinations and certifications.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with Extension Educators and other university faculty and staff who develop and deliver PSEE education as it relates to examinations and certifications.
• Ensure well-designed exams align with the curriculum and effectively assess the learning objectives.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, other government agencies, industry associations and other organizations involved with pesticide safety education for the people of Minnesota.
• Utilize current and appropriate technology to assist and support Extension Educators
• Assist PSEE Program Coordinators and other team members in the construction and publication prep of online courses and/or training manuals, or other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in adult education or closely related subject area (pest management, entomology, agronomy, or environmental sciences with at least 2 years of experience OR a combination of a degree and years of experience to equal 6 years.
• Experience designing, developing/preparing and administering/managing exams and assessments ideally for certification status or related certification obtainment (non-degree setting);
• Of the 6 years required experience, at least 2 full time years are to be in creating/developing exams or assessments and reviewing and evaluating the exams/assessments.
• Extensive knowledge of Exam preparation and proctoring protocols, rules, policies, etc.
• Documented experience with data entry, spreadsheets, proofing documents, online reporting and researching, and electronic organizing.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing clear and concise documentation for complex technical concepts and processes. This includes technical writing for training materials, standard operating procedures, and documentation; technical editing for reviewing, revising for accuracy and accessibility.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to integrate researched-based and technical information from scientific and educational literature and from subject matter experts across academic disciplines, industries and professions to produce effective learner-focused educational materials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

Additional Qualifications:

• Must have a valid driver's license and own means of reliable transportation with required liability insurance to travel to workshops across the state and region as needed with overnight stays. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• When working outside of the assigned office location, must have reliable internet, and must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull 15 lbs. routinely and 40 lbs. rarely as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in pest management or closely related subject area (agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture, or forestry) or associated plant or environmental sciences, or a closely related field.
• Experience in Pesticide safety or Pesticide Education
• Demonstrated ability to utilize principles of adult education in the review or development of educational materials.
• Ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a changing environment and changing work responsibilities.
• Experience using educational software and technology including webinars, internet conferencing, or on-line course management.

About Extension

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $25-$32/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (40 hours/week)

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please attach the following required application materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume - Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.

Requirements for those invited to interview:

• A practicum will be part of the interview process for this position.
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.