Agriculture Inspector Ii

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an Agriculture Inspector II for our Plant Services Division; the position is located in our Yuma office.

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.

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. You will prepare bait for traps; place traps within a targeted location; mapping of traps, placing, monitor and service traps using established protocols. Shall maintain a direct confidential working relationship with the Yuma Operations Manager.

The Department is willing to train the right candidate for the position.

Conduct complex agricultural and horticulture inspections; issue permits and/or certificates; complete required reports and recognize harmful insects and diseases of plants

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
Drive a full size truck

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

Arizona Driver's License

DRIVING REQUIREMENT: In-state travel is required. An acceptable driving record for the last 39 months is required including no DUI, suspensions or revocations, and less than 8 points on your license. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driving training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12).

The Arizona Department of Agricultue offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
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

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 12.17%. 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.