Survey Technician (Project)

What You’ll Do

No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio. ODA is seeking qualified candidates to be part of the continued success of the ALB program. This posting is for multiple positions.

Duties

• Inspects trees for signs of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) & assists Plant Health Inspectors in different work units of the program (i.e. contract survey, regulatory, outreach, quality assurance, data management, etc.)
• Receives training in surveying host trees & tree identification
• Uses proper tools (i.e. binoculars, spotting scope) for tree inspections
• Completes data entry for all tree inspections & records & operates data collection devices by using maps & Global Information System (GIS) for later data analysis
• Maintains & secures all state issued property (e.g., equipment, maps, forms, data)
• Sets up survey locations & establishes scheduled itinerary in accordance with department guidelines
• Gains access to private properties for inspections
• Assists Plant Health Inspectors with monitoring contractors during tree survey & performing quality control checks on data collection & tree inspections
• Operates laptop computer & related software & prepares email to send various survey information
• Administers tree identification & ALB damage tests for contracting staff
• Places traps & inspects for box tree moth (BTM) & other plant pests
• Responds to reports of alleged sightings of ALB & other plant pest
• Assists inspectors & management with pesticide treatment application, maintenance of survey equipment, cleaning & servicing state vehicles
• Receives training, assists with, & participates in other plant pest programs as assigned

Qualifications

• 3 months training or 3 months experience in field survey
• OR 1 course or 3 months experience in geometry; 1 course or 3 months experience in trigonometry
• OR equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above
• Must be able to provide own transportation

Pay & Schedule

• Competitive salary: $45,406 - $51,230 annually ($21.83/hour)
• Full-time
• Work location: USDA/ALB Office, Bethel, Ohio (Clermont County)

Benefits

• Medical coverage through the Ohio Med PPO plan
• Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums free after one year of continuous service
• Paid time off including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS): employee contributes 10% of salary, employer contributes 14%
• Ohio Deferred Compensation program (457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan)
• Expanded maternity health care benefits through Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN plans, including prenatal care, inpatient delivery claims, NICU claims, postpartum care, and maternity-related medications at no out-of-pocket cost with network providers
• Prescription drugs directly related to maternity care covered with no copay (with prior authorization)