Butler County or Armstrong County or Indiana County or Clarion County or Venango County or Warren County or Meadville or Greensburg

Plant Industry Inspection Technician

Hybrid$46,827 - $70,592/yrPosted 5 days ago

Job details

Location: Butler County or Armstrong County or Indiana County or Clarion County or Venango County or Warren County or Meadville or Greensburg
Work type: Hybrid
Compensation: $46,827 - $70,592/yr
Posted: 5 days ago
Apply on: governmentjobs.com

About this role

About the Department

What if you could help protect Pennsylvania’s farms, forests, and green industry from harmful pests and diseases? As a Plant Industry Inspection Technician with the Department of Agriculture, you will support essential inspections that keep plant businesses safe and compliant. You will work with nurseries, greenhouses, and other plant operations to ensure healthy growing environments. Apply today to join a team that is committed to safeguarding the state’s agricultural and environmental resources!

Position Duties

This position supports plant inspections, investigations, and compliance activities across nurseries, greenhouses, and other agricultural establishments. It helps protect plant health, prevent pest spread, and ensure businesses meet state and federal requirements. As a Plant Industry Inspection Technician, you will perform the following duties:

Facility Inspection: Inspect nurseries, greenhouses, and related establishments for proper storage, sanitation, permits, and safety practices
Pest Identification: Identify plant pests and plant materials accurately using keys and reference materials
Complaint Assistance: Support investigations involving plant pests, pesticide safety, and potential harm to plants or people
Compliance Review: Check facilities and documents for adherence to state and federal plant regulations
Public Guidance: Provide information to facility owners and industry officials on record keeping, chemical storage, and pest management
Survey Support: Assist with plant pest surveys and emergency responses related to invasive species and plant diseases

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Full-time employment
Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
The reporting location for this position will be either 13410 Dunham Road, Meadville, PA 16335 or 226 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, PA 15601 for non-inspection and office work.
This position is home headquartered for the counties of Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Clarion, Venango, and Warren. You will be expected to travel in the field for this position.
This position is home headquartered. In order to be home headquartered, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in the agricultural or biological sciences, which includes 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in plant science, and 3 credits in animal science; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in plant science, and 3 credits in animal science.
Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirement:

All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

You must possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Other Qualifications

Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/test once for this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

Special Requirement - Do you possess a current valid Pennsylvania driver's license or equivalent which is not under suspension?

If you answered yes, please provide the expiration date, issuing state, and license number. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.

Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher in the agricultural or biological sciences, or are you within three months of completing a bachelor's degree or higher in the agricultural or biological sciences? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting https://www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

If you are within three months of completing a bachelor’s degree or higher in the agricultural or biological sciences, on what date do you expect to graduate? Type N/A in the text box below if this does not apply.

Have you completed at least 3 college credits in chemistry, 3 college credits in plant science, and 3 college credits in animal science? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting https://www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

How many years of full-time experience do you possess in the agricultural or biological sciences? This experience must be included in the appropriate section of your application if you would like it to be considered in the eligibility decision. (This includes qualifying volunteer experience. Part-time experience will be pro-rated to meet full-time experience requirements.)

A. 4 years or more
B. 3 but less than 4 years
C. 2 but less than 3 years
D. 1 but less than 2 years
E. Less than 1 year
F. None

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – COLLECTION OF SAMPLES Collects and submits samples of plants, plant pests or agricultural products such as animal feed, fertilizer, liming materials, pesticides, seeds, crops, and soil and plant amendments for quality control, diagnostic purposes, or to ensure adherence to state and federal standards. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience collecting and submitting samples of PLANTS, PLANT PESTS OR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS such as animal feed, fertilizer, liming materials, pesticides, seeds, crops and soil and plant amendments for quality control, diagnostic purposes, or to ensure adherence to state and federal standards.
B. I have successfully completed college-level LABORATORY coursework in plant science or animal science.
C. I have experience collecting and submitting NON-AGRICULTURAL SAMPLES such as water, air, pharmaceuticals, chemicals (other than pesticides), or human DNA for quality control or diagnostic purposes.
D. I have successfully completed college-level LABORATORY coursework in NON-AGRICULTURAL fields such as Air/Water Analysis, Mining/Sanitation/Environmental Soil Analysis, Forensics, Human Genetics, or Medical Technology.
E. I have NO education or experience related to this work behavior.

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of samples you collected.
Your level of responsibility.

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - INSPECTIONS Inspects plants or agricultural products such as animal feed, fertilizer, liming materials, pesticides, seeds, crops, and soil and plant amendments in a variety of settings to evaluate for deviations from acceptable quality standards (i.e. discrepancies in label content, weeds, plant pests, and other contaminants) and ensure compliance with state and federal standards. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience conducting THIRD-PARTY INSPECTIONS of plants or other agricultural products such as animal feed, fertilizer, liming materials, pesticides, seeds, crops and soil and plant amendments to evaluate for deviations from acceptable quality standards (i.e. discrepancies in label content, weeds, pests, and other contaminants) and ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines.
B. I have experience inspecting plants or other agricultural products such as animal feed, fertilizer, liming materials, pesticides, seeds, crops and soil and plant amendments IN MY OR MY EMPLOYER'S ESTABLISHMENT to evaluate for deviations from acceptable quality standards (i.e. discrepancies in label content, weeds, pests, and other contaminants).
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to the inspection of plants or agricultural products (i.e. Ecology, Taxonomy, Horticulture, Forestry, Turf Management, Vegetable/Fruit/Flower/Field Crop Production, Greenhouse Management, Dairy, Meat or Poultry Production and/or Management, Wildlife Management, Weed Management, Agronomy, Nutrient Management, or Integrated Pest Management).
D. I have experience inspecting NON-AGRICULTURAL ITEMS (i.e. records, equipment, etc.) to evaluate for deviations from acceptable quality standards.
E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to quality assurance, quality management, or audit training.
F. I have NO training, education, or experience related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of items you inspected.
Your level of responsibility.

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University/Training Source
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – REPORT WRITING Composes narrative inspection reports detailing the findings from the inspection of agricultural businesses and agricultural products. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience composing as the PRIMARY AUTHOR/DEVELOPER of detailed narrative inspection, technical or research reports. I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF THE ENTIRE REPORT.
B. I have experience with compiling/composing PORTIONS OF narrative inspection, technical or research reports. I WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF THE ENTIRE REPORT.
C. I successfully completed an independent research project, study, or thesis within the last 4 semesters of my Bachelor's Degree. This independent research project can be verified on my college transcripts.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to report writing, writing studies, technical writing, or English composition.
E. I have NO experience, training, or education related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of reports you composed.
Your level of responsibility.

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov

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About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Butler County or Armstrong County or Indiana County or Clarion County or Venango County or Warren County or Meadville or Greensburg

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