Plant Industry Inspection Technician (Temporary) - Region 1

Are you eager to elevate your career in agricultural sciences while playing a crucial role in protecting the plant resources of the Commonwealth and ensuring the safety of consumers in Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is actively seeking qualified candidates for the position of Plant Industry Inspection Technician. In this essential role, you will conduct technical inspections and carry out enforcement and service duties related to greenhouses, nursery plants, seeds, fertilizers, and pesticide worker protection within the Bureau of Plant Industry. This position offers a remarkable opportunity to enhance the health and safety of our agricultural environment while honing your professional skills. Do not miss the chance to join our committed team-submit your application today!

In this position, you will be responsible for inspecting various agricultural establishments, including nurseries, greenhouses, tree farms, and retail outlets for agronomic products. Your duties will encompass ensuring that these facilities adhere to regulations regarding proper storage practices, accurate record-keeping, sanitation standards, employee training protocols, worker safety measures, and the acquisition of necessary permits. Additionally, you will provide support to Regional Plant Inspectors and the Regional Supervisor in addressing investigations and complaints related to plant pests and pesticide worker protection across all types of plant propagation facilities. This role is crucial in safeguarding both plant health and human safety, as you will assist in investigating suspected incidents to assess their validity and work towards identifying and eliminating the root causes of any harm to plants or individuals.

• Temporary, Full-time employment
• 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 Venango, Clarion, Jefferson, Elk, McKean and Forest Counties.
• Applicant will be required to report to 13410 Dunham Rd. Meadville, PA 16335 for non-inspection/office work.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

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.

Special Requirement:

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

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• 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 will eliminate you from consideration for this position.

• 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 www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.