AGRICULTURAL INSPECTOR II

***** IMMEDIATE OPENING *****

Maryland Department of Agriculture Headquarters - Annapolis, Maryland

To perform field surveys in order to support insect pest detection programs in Maryland, particularly in regards to spotted lanternfly.

• Conduct field surveys and inspections to support the detection and control of spotted lanternfly.
• Interact with the public with regards to reports of suspected spotted lanternfly in Maryland.
• Assist other section personnel in running of other insect pest detections surveys as required.
• Maintain records and data of inspections, surveys, and pest monitoring programs.

Position will require safe operation of a State vehicle, use of hand tools, tablet computers, insect traps and lures, laboratory equipment, and computer office equipment, including spreadsheets, word processing, and GIS (geographic information system).

Work involves exposure to extreme environmental conditions, exposure to pollen, stinging and biting insects, poisonous plants, and walking long distances on uneven ground.

Education:    Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Two years of experience in one of the following: production, processing, marketing, grading or inspection of agricultural products or chemicals; assisting veterinarians in care and management of animals; animal disease control; care or management of livestock or inspecting veterinary hospitals, riding stables or livestock dealers; installation, inspection, repair, or testing of weighting, volumetric measuring or counting devices; inspecting labeling and packaging; pesticide sales, use, regulation, or application; production, maintenance or inspection of a tree plantation or nursery stock; pest or weed control; wildlife population censuring; or the production, sales, inspection or testing of seed or turf products.

Notes:

1.  Applicants may substitute fifteen credit hours in agriculture; animal, biological, environmental, food or physical sciences; chemistry; mathematics; engineering, or law enforcement at an accredited college or university for each year of experience for up to two years of experience. 

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience non-commissioned officer in quality assurance, inspection and grading classification or quality assurance, inspection and grading specialty codes in the agricultural commodity grading field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

At least one year experience performing field survey work.

Experience working with tablet computers and familiarity with GIS (geographic information system) programs.

Experience with insect pest identification in the field or laboratory setting.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  If you have college credits that will substitute for experience, please also submit a transcript.   All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture  Human Resource Office, Room 304  50 Harry S. Truman Parkway  Annapolis, MD  21401.  All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.  If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Mary Darling at 410-841-5847 or mary.darling@maryland.gov