ENTOMOLOGIST I Plant Protection

*** IMMEDIATE OPENING ***

Maryland Department of Agriculture Headquarters - Annapolis, Maryland

To utilize geographic information system (GIS) mapping technology and related computer programs to support insect pest detection programs in Maryland, particularly in regard to spotted lanternfly.

• Use GIS mapping technology to monitor detections of spotted lanternfly, quickly create maps listing these locations for public and governmental use, and determine best allocation of resources to efficiently survey for spotted lanternfly.
• Maintain and record data of inspections, surveys, and pest monitoring programs, and use this information to determine best management practices for these pests.
• Interact with governmental agencies and the public with regards to reports of suspected invasive insects in Maryland.
• Conduct surveys and inspections to support the detection and control of invasive insects.
• Assist section personnel in work on other projects as required.

Position will require safe operation of a State vehicle, use of hand tools, safety equipment, 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:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  Course work must have included a minimum of 21 credit hours selected from the subject areas of botany, entomology, horticulture, or plant pathology, at least 15 credit hours of which must have been in entomology.

Experience: None.

Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in entomology classifications or entomology specialty codes in the entomology field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

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

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

Experience performing field survey and insect pest identification work.

Employees in this classification will be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator license’s valid in the State of Maryland, with no more than 5 points on the driving record.

N/A

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  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.

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