AGRICULTURE ENFORCEMENT AGENT II

Position Information

Job Summary

The Agriculture Enforcement Agent II is responsible for enforcing state agricultural laws, investigating violations, and ensuring compliance with state statutes and rules related to timber, livestock, crops, pesticides, and food safety. This position investigates crimes within the agricultural community such as timber theft, livestock theft, logging and farm equipment theft and vandalism, wildland arson, foreign land ownership, conducts field inspections, investigates complaints, and works with local, state, and federal agencies to protect Arkansas’s agricultural resources.

Primary Responsibilities

Enforce state agricultural laws, rules, and regulations regarding livestock, food safety, pesticide use, and agricultural commerce. Conduct investigations into illegal agricultural activities, including livestock theft, timber theft, logging and farm equipment theft or vandalism, wildland arson, fraud, biosecurity violations, and environmental hazards. Perform routine patrols, compliance checks, and enforcement actions to prevent and address violations. Issue citations, warnings, or legal notices in accordance with state policies. Conduct onsite inspections of farms, processing facilities, livestock auctions, and agricultural businesses. Collect evidence, take witness statements, and document findings for case files and legal proceedings. Coordinate with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute violations. Ensure compliance with state regulations by providing education and technical assistance to farmers and agricultural businesses. Respond to agriculture-related emergencies, including disease outbreaks, food contamination, and natural disasters affecting farms and agribusinesses. Assist in animal disease control efforts, including quarantine enforcement and biosecurity monitoring. Support law enforcement agencies in recovering stolen livestock, investigating animal cruelty cases, and preventing agricultural fraud. Provide education and guidance to farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses on state agricultural regulations and compliance. Represent the agency at meetings, agricultural fairs, and industry conferences. Prepare detailed reports on inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions. Maintain accurate records and case files for compliance monitoring and legal proceedings. Assist forestry personnel in fire suppression efforts Wildland arson investigations Investigate foreign owned agriculture land within the state

Knowledge and Skills

Strong knowledge of Arkansas’s agricultural laws, enforcement procedures, and regulatory policies. Ability to conduct field investigations, collect evidence, and prepare legal reports. Proficiency in identifying fraudulent agricultural activities and enforcing compliance. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting, public engagement, and interagency collaboration. Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills when dealing with non-compliant individuals or entities. Critical thinking skills to analyze complex situations and enforce agricultural laws effectively. Ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations, including emergencies and legal disputes. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating with other enforcement agents, law enforcement, and agricultural officials. Strong organizational and time management skills for handling multiple investigations simultaneously. Ability to pass physical fitness test.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensure/Certifications

Intermediate or Advanced Certified Law Enforcement officer with the State of Arkansas. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.