Agriculture LAW Enforcement Chief

Position Number: 22172774

County: Pulaski

Posting End Date: [[postingEndDate]]

Anticipated Starting Salary: $90,076

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As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.

Hiring Manager: Matthew M. Ford

matthew.ford@arkansas.gov

501-902-7733

This role is for a hire date of June 2026 or after.

Position Information

Job Series: Agriculture Law Enforcement - Competitive

Classification: Agriculture Law Enforcement Chief

Class Code: SAL03C

Pay Grade: LES08

Salary Range: $90,076- $133,312

Job Summary

The Agriculture Law Enforcement Chief is responsible for overseeing the enforcement of state agricultural laws, rules, and policies to protect Arkansas's agricultural resources, timber, livestock, and rural communities. This position leads and directs law enforcement operations, investigations, and compliance initiatives while supervising a team of officers and personnel.

Primary Responsibilities

Direct and manage agricultural law enforcement operations across the state. Supervise, train, and evaluate a team of law enforcement officers, investigators, and administrative personnel. Develop and implement law enforcement policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives to ensure compliance with state law and agricultural rules. Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to support agriculture-related law enforcement efforts. Enforce state laws and regulations related to livestock, timber, crop protection, pesticide use, food safety, and agricultural commerce. Oversee investigations into illegal agricultural activities, including livestock theft, timber theft, logging or farm equipment theft or vandalism, fraud, and environmental violations. Ensure compliance with state regulations by conducting inspections, audits, and enforcement actions. Lead emergency response efforts for agriculture-related crises, such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and biosecurity threats. Develop and implement safety protocols to protect public health and Arkansas's agricultural industry. Serve as a liaison between law enforcement agencies, the agricultural community, and state leadership. Represent the department at conferences, legislative hearings, and public meetings related to agriculture law enforcement. Manage the division's budget, resources, and personnel allocations to optimize law enforcement effectiveness. Prepare and present reports, enforcement data, and strategic plans to state leadership. Ensure compliance with state policies, legal standards, and reporting requirements. Oversee investigations into foreign owned lands within the state. Assist forestry personnel in fire suppression efforts. Supervise wildland fire arson investigations.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong leadership and supervisory skills with experience managing law enforcement personnel. Ability to make sound, ethical decisions in high-pressure situations. Proven experience in policy development, program management, and interagency coordination. Knowledge of Arkansas's agricultural laws, enforcement procedures, and regulatory policies. Experience conducting investigations, surveillance, and compliance inspections. Strong understanding of criminal justice principles, evidence collection, and case preparation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement. Strong public speaking and outreach abilities to educate stakeholders on agricultural law enforcement matters. Strong budget management and resource allocation skills. Ability to analyze law enforcement data, trends, and operational needs. Detail-oriented with strong record-keeping and documentation skills.

Minimum Qualifications

At least eight years of investigative experience in law enforcement, including three years in a leadership capacity.

Licensure/Certifications: .

Advanced or Senior 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.

Licensure/Certifications

Advanced or Senior 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.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Nearest Major Market: Little Rock