Temporary Assistant Horticultural Inspector 2

Assistant Horticultural Inspector 2

Minimum Qualifications:

Thirty college credit hours, in any subject and one year of plant survey inspection experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 30 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.
• Possession of a current, valid driver's license and use of a vehicle.

Duties Description:

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets conducts surveys and inspections looking for a range plant pests (insects & diseases). As an Assistant Horticultural Inspector 2, assigned to the Division of Plant Industry, your duties will include: deploy traps and lures in support of various surveys under established protocols and direction; visually survey for the presence of various pests to assist in identifying plant diseases and insects; collect samples of soil, leaves, seed or other agricultural commodities; label and pack samples for submission to the laboratory for analysis; accurately record survey data and information; assist in data entry of survey information, crop history, dates of survey, field size, treatments and lab results; properly map properties, trees and species and where they are located to detect, eradicate or control plant pests in an assigned geographic area; report quantity and disposition of samples to supervisor and/or program manager; disinfesting equipment and machinery; clean and maintain survey equipment. Incumbents will coordinate several tasks for a specific region and execute projects; compile reports and review laboratory submissions and results; monitor work progress on assignments; initiate communication with stakeholders and conduct outreach; and serve as a resource for Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1's.

Specific surveys/inspections include Spotted Lanternfly, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Box Tree Moth, Plum Pox Virus, Fruit Certification, and European Cherry Fruit Fly. Majority of work is conducted walking and standing outside in all weather conditions.

Overnight travel may be required.

Additional Comments Locations Include: Albany County, Monroe County, Niagara County, Suffolk County, OR Wayne County

The status of this vacancy is Temporary and Seasonal. Positions run from April/May to September/October depending on survey and funding. Some positions can accommodate students on summer recess from college. Some positions may extend to year-round subject to seasonal renewal.