Plant Industry Inspection Technician

Plant Industry Inspection Technician

Are you looking to advance your career in agricultural sciences while helping protect Pennsylvania's plant resources and ensuring consumer safety across the Commonwealth? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is seeking motivated candidates for the role of Plant Industry Inspection Technician. In this position, you will conduct technical inspections and carry out enforcement and service work related to agronomic products and pesticides within the Bureau of Plant Industry. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact and grow your career, apply today and join our team.

In this role, you will conduct technical inspections, enforcement activities, and service work related to Pennsylvania's Phorid Fly quarantine program. Your responsibilities include inspecting mushroom-growing facilities to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, investigating consumer complaints, and assisting with emergency response efforts when needed. You will also play an important part in verifying that pesticide operators follow proper quality control procedures and maintain strong manufacturing practices. Your work helps safeguard agricultural operations and supports the overall health and safety of the Commonwealth's plant industry.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment (Limited Term) without benefits.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position will be home headquartered if applicant lives in Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia, Berks, or Montgomery County.
• Applicant will be required to report to 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426 for non-inspection/office work.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility:

Qualifications: Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in the agricultural or biological sciences, which includes 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in plant science, and 3 credits in animal science; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in plant science, and 3 credits in animal science.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.