The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for an /_Administrative Specialist_/ *located in Great Falls, Montana. First review of applicants May15, 2024. Open until filled. Support Agriculture, the state’s #1 industry! The Montana Department of Agriculture has over 30 programs ranging from market and business development to licensing and regulating services that protect agricultural producers, consumers, and the environment. It is the Department’s mission to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. The Montana State Grain Laboratory, located in Great Falls and Plentywood, is responsible for the operation of a statewide crop sample inspection program. The State Grain Laboratory is the only federally designated Official Inspection Service for the state of Montana. The purpose of official inspection is to ascertain the type and quality of Montana grown crops, a critical determining factor for establishing market value. Accurate and unbiased sampling, inspections, and testing of grain and pulse crops are performed in strict compliance with state and federal grain standards. *Job Overview: This Administrative Specialist position will record, manage, and distribute information between producers, industry, state and federal entities, grain lab staff and other Department of Agriculture staff. Information includes federal inspection certifications, reports, records, customer billing, messaging and communications. Duties include a mix of data entry, record keeping, accounting, and common office duties with an emphasis on federal inspection standards and requirements. Knowledge, skills, and abilities: * Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers. * Skilled in use of computer applications for inspection data entry, billing, and MS Office products. * Knowledge of the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) procedures for grain inspection and certification as described in grain inspection handbooks and other official documents. * Skilled in conducting research of FGIS grain inspection and certification procedures. * Knowledge of use of generally accepted accounting principles. * Skilled in office procedures, maintaining electronic and physical files, purchasing and requisitions. * Minimum Physical/Mental Requirements: * Standing, walking, and sitting for long periods of time. * Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. * Frequent stretching, reaching, twisting, stooping, and bending when working with files and performing routine office duties. * Work stress caused by varying workloads or hours and customers complaints. * Repetitive motions in operating a computer and visual acuity necessary to discern details. * * Typical Work Environment: * Normal office and laboratory environments. * Frequent interactions with customers, staff, and federal resources. Minimum Qualifications: * High-school diploma or equivalent. * Two years of customer-service experience. * Two years of experience in clerical or administrative field or two years of job-related college or vocational training. * Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted. Employer uses on-the-job training methods during normal paid work hours. Benefits: Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation package! Upon date of hire, employees working at least half-time for more than six months are eligible for state paid premiums toward employee “core” medical, dental, and basic life insurance coverage. Employees earn 15 working days of annual leave, 12 days of sick leave and 10-11 paid holidays each year. Membership in a Retirement System - vesting criteria applies. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. This position may be eligible for a statutory 4% an hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2024. Title: Administrative Specialist Location: Great Falls Requisition ID: 24141310