Plant Health Inspector (Project)

This project position is open to current Ohio Department of Agriculture employees only.

Competitive Salary: $59,821 - $79,061 Annually

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio!

The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation. 

ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch.

You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.

What We Do:

Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!

As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture's Division of Plant Health houses the Grain Warehouse, Feed & Seed, Pesticide & Fertilizer Regulation, and Plant Pest Control sections, which are responsible for many consumer- and farmer-protections regulations. Staff members' duties include registering pesticides, licensing pesticide applicators, investigating pesticide use complaints, verifying label statements on feed and fertilizers, monitoring the financial stability of grain elevators, testing germination of packaged seeds, inspecting honey bee colonies, regulating plant nursery stock, and working with USDA-APHIS and the U.S. Forest Service to control invasive pest species. Their goal is to hold businesses which produce, process, and distribute plant-based agricultural products to high standards of integrity and safety.

%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat You’ll Do:%3C/strong%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-size:13.5pt;%22%3EThe Division of Plant Health is seeking qualified ODA employees to fill a Project Plant Health Inspector position in Clermont County.%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-size:13.5pt;%22%3EThis position is responsible for:%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cul%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EConducts/leads inspections for signs of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) infestation in forests %3Cspan style=%22mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;%22%3E%26amp;%3C/span%3E/or landscapes on public %3Cspan style=%22mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;%22%3E%26amp;%3C/span%3E private properties%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EParticipates in survey progression, regulatory, contractor, %3Cspan style=%22mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;%22%3E%26amp;%3C/span%3E/or data reconciliation meetings%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EAssures compliance with relevant laws %3Cspan style=%22mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;%22%3E%26amp;%3C/span%3E regulations%3Cspan style=%22mso-font-width:99%;%22%3E %3C/span%3Eregarding the ALB quarantine %3Cspan style=%22mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;%22%3E%26amp;%3C/span%3E movement of firewood%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EPrepares reports of findings for all inspections completed %26amp; assists with program planning%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EPlaces traps %26amp; inspects for spongy moth, spotted lanternfly (SLF), box tree moth (BTM) %26amp; other plant pests (e.g., egg mass %26amp; other life stage surveys)%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EConducts outreach %26amp; education to the public %26amp; stakeholders %26amp; maintains %26amp; updates manuals%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;%22%3EProvides presentations to specialized%3C/span%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;mso-font-width:99%;%22%3E %3C/span%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;%22%3Eaudiences %26amp;%3C/span%3E assists %26amp; conducts training to prepare other staff to perform program duties%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNoSpacing%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EConducts analysis of GIMS projects (e.g., locates invasive species in geo-space %26amp; performs measurements, counts, computations, %26amp; proximity analysis)%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNoSpacing%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EOperates GIS software(e.g., ArcGIS for Desktop %26amp;/or Server) to produce %26amp;/or revise maps for planning %26amp; report preparation, documentation %26amp; project management%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNoSpacing%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EMaintains up-to-date knowledge %26amp; understanding of concepts of aviation safety %26amp; operations%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNoSpacing%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EAssists with the operation %26amp; coordination of the aerial spray project (e.g., aerial hazard surveys, public meetings %26amp; other communications)%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNoSpacing%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EAssists with the recruitment, training %26amp; oversight of Spongy Moth Program block observers, crew leaders %26amp; trapper contractors%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNoSpacing%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EAssists other ODA personnel in generating GIS layers %26amp; maps for department based upon database extracts%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EWorks with local, state %26amp; federal agencies as required%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EAssists management with pesticide treatment planning %26amp; application%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EConducts inspections of nursery facilities, garden centers, green houses, retail stores, producers, %26amp; wholesalers of%3Cspan style=%22mso-font-width:99%;%22%3E %3C/span%3Enursery stock%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3EResearches %26amp; completes federal phytosanitary forms for exporting agricultural crops%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3C/ul%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EThis position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.%26nbsp; ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members.%26nbsp; All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.%3C/strong%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;line-height:normal;margin-bottom:9.0pt;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:black;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-color-alt:windowtext;mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EWe Support Diversity and Inclusion:%3C/strong%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;line-height:normal;margin-bottom:9.0pt;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:black;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-color-alt:windowtext;mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3EODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;line-height:normal;margin-bottom:9.0pt;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:black;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat’s in it for you:%3C/strong%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;line-height:normal;margin-bottom:9.0pt;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:black;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3EAt the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3Ca href=%22https://careers.ohio.gov/why-work-for-state-of-ohio%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:#045FAB;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-color-alt:windowtext;mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3ETotal Rewards website%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:black;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3E! Our benefits package includes:%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;line-height:normal;margin-bottom:9.0pt;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:black;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3E%3Cu%3EMedical Coverage%3C/u%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cul type=%22disc%22%3E%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;color:black;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3EQuality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3C/ul%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;line-height:normal;margin-bottom:9.0pt;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:black;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3E%3Cu%3EDental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance%3C/u%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cul type=%22disc%22%3E%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;color:black;line-height:normal;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3EDental, vision and basic life insurance%26nbsp;premiums are free%26nbsp;after one year of continuous service.%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3C/ul%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;line-height:normal;margin-bottom:9.0pt;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:black;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3E%3Cu%3ETime Away from Work and Work/Life Balance%3C/u%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cul type=%22disc%22%3E%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;color:black;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3EPaid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;color:black;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cp%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3E11 paid holidays per year%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp%3E%26nbsp;%3C/p%3E%3C/li%3E%3C/ul%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;line-height:normal;margin-bottom:9.0pt;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:black;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3E%3Cu%3EOhio Public Employees Retirement System%3C/u%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cul type=%22disc%22%3E%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;color:black;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3EOPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees.%26nbsp; The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement.%26nbsp; The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary.%26nbsp; Visit the%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3Ca href=%22https://www.opers.org/%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:#045FAB;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3EOPERS website%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3E%26nbsp;for more information.%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3C/ul%3E%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;line-height:normal;margin-bottom:9.0pt;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:black;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3E%3Cu%3EDeferred Compensation%3C/u%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cul type=%22disc%22%3E%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22 style=%22background-color:white;color:black;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;vertical-align:middle;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3EThe Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3Ca href=%22https://www.ohio475.org./%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22color:#045FAB;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3EOhio Deferred Compensation website%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22mso-fareast-font-family:%26quot;Times New Roman%26quot;;%22%3E%26nbsp;for more information.%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3C/ul%3E
*!

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

*!

Completion of undergraduate core coursework in agricultural field (e.g., agronomy, biology, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, environmental science)
AND
1 year experience in agricultural field commensurate with duties to be performed as described on the approved position description on file
AND
3 months experience in operation of personal computer
AND
Valid driver’s license from state of residence

OR
Equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above

*!

If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.

Unusual Working Conditions:
Works outside exposed to varying weather conditions; exposed to pesticides; exposed to machinery, dirt & dust; climbs heights of up to 130 feet; exposed to insects & subject to insect stings, ticks & poison ivy; exposed to angry hostile landowners; required to work in crawl spaces when conducting inspections; requires overnight travel.

Training & Development Required to Remain in the Classification After Employment:
Must obtain federal credentials commensurate with program area to be assigned as per approved position description on file (e.g., USEPA, FIFRA, FDA, USDA ACO).

This position is Unclassified per Ohio Revised Code 124.11 (A)(29)

For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact:
Keary Sorgini
[email protected]

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check.  Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position.  An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

*!

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

*!

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Job Details
Organization: Agriculture
Agency Contact Name and Information: Keary Sorgini; [email protected]
Unposting Date: Sep 3, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
Primary Location: United States of America-OHIO-Clermont County
Compensation: $28.76-$38.01
Schedule: Full-time
Classified Indicator: Unclassified
Union: OCSEA
Primary Job Skill: Agriculture
Technical Skills: Regulatory Compliance, Agriculture, Plant Health
Professional Skills: Attention to Detail, Leading Others, Teamwork, Verbal Communication, Written Communication