All 15 positions on the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Advisory Committee are open to appointment.

The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications, and the advisory committee was one of them. All two-year terms concluded June 30 for advisory board members.

Residents involved in farming, agribusiness, conservation, local government, and environmental and water quality efforts are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should include a brief cover letter, resume or other information that will outline or discuss the ways in which their background and qualifications will contribute to the success of the committee.

The advisory committee is convened and staffed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. To provide technical support to the committee, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Minnesota Extension and other technical experts are invited to attend at the request of the MDA commissioner.

Members will be selected by the ag commissioner, with preference given to candidates with relevant experience and expertise in agriculture and water quality; experience in agricultural, conservation or water quality program implementation; and experience in Minnesota.

The application deadline is Aug. 1.

To apply, visit the secretary of state’s open positions page at the Open Positions page. Scroll down to find the correct agency, board or council. Choose the correct seat type, and click the button that says “apply.” The system will walk you through creating an application profile.

Paper applications may be submitted by email to Open Appointments, or by mail or in person to Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, 180 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St Paul, MN 55155-1299.