Plant Pest Specialist: North Central Position Available In Iredell, North Carolina

Plant Pest Specialist:

North Central 
Salary $48,222.00 – $55,000.00 Annually Location Regional, NC Job Type Permanent Full-Time Job Number 25-04847 – 60012541 Department Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services Division Agriculture Consumer Service Opening Date 04/16/2025 Closing Date 4/30/2025 5:00 PM Eastern Job Class Title Agricultural Program Specialist I Position Number 60012541 Section Plant Industry Division Salary Grade

NC13 DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS
QUESTIONS
Description of Work •This is a readvertisement. All previous applicants MUST reapply to be considered. •If there are no qualified candidates remaining in the applicant pool who meet the minimum education and experience or knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position, a trainee who does not meet the minimum requirements can be referred. The mission of the Plant Industry Division is to protect the state’s agriculture and natural environment from introduced plant pests, including insects, diseases, and noxious weeds and to protect our state’s endangered and threatened plants and to ensure seed and fertilizer and other soil additives offered for sale in North Carolina meet prescribed standards and are truthfully labeled. The Plant Pest Specialist is responsible for implementing pest risk mitigation strategies including plant pest quarantines, point of origin inspections, pest-free areas, certification and permitting, and administration of compliance agreements within an assigned work area. The position conducts nursery inspections, nursery dealer inspections, aquatic dealer inspections, along with the implementation of all plant certification programs including the management of export certification requirements and issuance of Federal Phytosanitary Certificates. The position is responsible for the implementation of all insects, disease and weed programs, including trapping, monitoring and eradication/control responsibilities. This position, in compliance with outlined regulations, issues certificate or permits as necessary for the movement of regulated articles. This position serves as a technical consultant and liaison between producers, agribusiness, extension, and the general public in order to solve plant pest regulatory problems. Region 11 Plant Pest Specialist oversees all plant regulatory programs in the following counties: Rockingham, Caswell, Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, and Randolph. Selected candidate must reside in, or be willing to move to Rockingham, Caswell, Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, Randolph. Applicant may reside in an adjoining county. Applicant must obtain their pesticide applicators license within one year of hire. Applicant must become a

USDA-APHIS-PPQ

Authorized Certifying Official (ACO) within prescribed USDA allocated timeline. Applicant must become a NCNLA Certified Plant Professional within 18 months of hire. Position is home based/field work position Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees. Click Here to Watch this video to Learn How to Apply. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are

REQUIRED

to qualify for this position. We will not review resumes in lieu of the Experience and Education listed on the application. To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following: Ability to learn and effectively interpret state and federal laws relating to plant pests.
Knowledge of the principles of entomology, plant pathology, weed science, or horticulture. Ability to identify plant pests and to provide control measures. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the nursery industry and the agricultural community, the general public and extension staff. Ability to work independently and to function as an effective team member. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements You may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both. Plant Pest Regulatory Programs Bachelor’s degree in entomology, plant pathology or horticulture with an emphasis on pest management, crop science or closely related biological science from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of plant inspection/specialist experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Supplemental and Contact Information Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate’s related education and experience. Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran’s/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form

DD-214, NGB 23A

(RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22. All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot’s License or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver’s License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position. •

Note:

When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. • Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201. Employer
State of North Carolina
Website
http://www.ncagr.gov/
JOB

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