DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

Address:  Plant Services Division / Phoenix Operations
1110 W. Washington Street, #450, Phoenix AZ 85007

Salary: 21.20 - 21.20 

Grade: 15

Closing Date: 

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is looking for two energetic individuals to fill our Agriculture Inspector 2 positions. You will become part of our dynamic team in the Plant Services Division. The positions are located in the downtown Phoenix area.

The Department of Agriculture’s, Plant Services Division, safeguards agriculture, food and the environment from the risks associated with the entry, establishment and spread of plant pests, diseases and noxious weeds thereby promoting agricultural sustainability, market access and competitiveness.

No experience necessary, our Plant Services Division is willing to train the right candidates for the positions.

Duties to include but not limited to:

• Perform a variety of complex agriculture and horticulture inspections, screen samples collected from inspections conducted by using a microscope.
• Determine and recognize harmful insects and diseases of plants.
• Monitor and execute controls and eradication programs and enforcement of laws and regulations.
• Issue certificates and/or permits to nurseries, place warning holds, load reports and other specialized inspections as directed by supervisor.
• Record items of interest on inspection reports and submit samples to be reviewed.
• Prepare bait for traps, place traps within a targeted location, mapping of traps, placing, monitor and service traps using established protocols. Some targeted locations for trap placement require the employee to interact with the public on a daily basis as the traps are required to be located on private property.
• Requires the successful candidate to work out in the elements 12 months of the year. Other duties as assigned and the positions will require you to drive a state truck on official state business.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• Federal, State and agency laws, rules, regulations and standards governing inspections, habitats and distribution of harmful insects, weeds and diseases of plants.
• Diseases that may have adverse effects on agriculture crops and/or commodities.
• Techniques and methods of inspecting and applying corrective controls.
• Enforcement of laws specific to agriculture/horticultural industries.
• Use of microscope.

SKILLS IN:
• Application and interpretation of Federal, State and agency laws, rules and regulations.
• Recommending appropriate controls of insects, weeds and diseases and assisting in applications
• Applying the relative enforcement of laws to violators.
• Oral/Written communication.
• Interpersonal relationships with internal and external customers

ABILITY TO:
• Recognize various agricultural products and commodities.
• Independently interpret and apply standards or procedures to determine alternative solutions.
• Communicate orally and in writing in order to document findings.
• Conduct inspections and prepare reports.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, stakeholders and the general public.
• Manipulate insect specimens with use of microscope.
• Work in extreme weather.
• Drive a truck

One year experience in agriculture/horticulture inspections, work experience or college course work in related field.
Regulatory experience.

Valid Driver's License

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Agriculture offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). ). ASRS is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statue. Current contribution rate is 12.27%. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Melissa Meek at mmeek@azda.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.