Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 - 73031

About the role

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking candidates to fill one Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 position in Suffolk County. The Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 assists in performing visual surveys of plants for the presence of pests to identify plant diseases and insects; collects samples of leaves, seeds or other agricultural commodities; deploys traps and lures in support of various surveys under established protocols and direction; labels and packs samples for submission to the laboratory for analysis; accurately records survey data and information; assists in data entry of survey information, crop history, dates of survey, field size, treatments and lab results; properly maps properties, trees, and species and where they are located to detect, eradicate or control plant pests in an assigned geographic area; reports quantity and disposition of samples to their supervisor and/or program manager; and cleans and maintains survey equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assists in performing visual surveys of plants for the presence of pests to identify plant diseases and insects.
• Collects samples of leaves, seeds or other agricultural commodities.
• Deploys traps and lures in support of various surveys under established protocols and direction.
• Labels and packs samples for submission to the laboratory for analysis.
• Accurately records survey data and information.
• Assists in data entry of survey information, crop history, dates of survey, field size, treatments and lab results.
• Properly maps properties, trees, and species and where they are located to detect, eradicate or control plant pests in an assigned geographic area.
• Reports quantity and disposition of samples to their supervisor and/or program manager.
• Cleans and maintains survey equipment.

Requirements

• You must have thirty college credits, in any subject.
• Thirty college credits in horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, botany, entomology, environmental studies/plant science, or a biological science primarily related to the scientific study of plants is preferred.

Qualifications

• Self-driven candidate who wants autonomy over their schedule and enjoys working outside the office setting.

Skills

• Ability to walk and stand outside in all weather conditions.
• Capable of meeting the regular transportation requirements in carrying out their field work responsibilities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and valuable benefits package including cost-effective health insurance options, fully covered dental and vision care, participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan, and ample paid time off.
• Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY's 529 College Savings Program.
• Potential to qualify for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Pay

$20.83/hour

Schedule

Part-time, 20 hours per week, Monday-Friday.

Additional Position Information

Division: Plant Industry
Negotiating Unit: PEF
Location: Suffolk County
Number of Vacancies: One
Status of Vacancy: Part-time; Temporary, Seasonal
Hours Per Week: 20 Hours
Jurisdictional Class: Non-Competitive
Civil Service List(s): No Eligible List Exists