Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 - 73022

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,673 - 33,717; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

Pension plan

Paid time off

Deferred compensation

Flex spending account

529 college savings program

Job summary

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking an Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 to work in Suffolk County.

The role involves performing visual surveys of plants for pests and diseases, collecting samples, deploying traps, labeling and packing samples for laboratory analysis, accurately recording survey data, assisting in data entry, mapping properties and species, reporting sample disposition, and maintaining survey equipment.

Qualifications

• Thirty college credits in any subject.
• Thirty college credits in horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, botany, entomology, environmental studies/plant science, or a related biological science (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Perform visual surveys of plants for pests and diseases.
• Collect samples and deploy traps for laboratory analysis.
• Label and pack samples for analysis and accurately record survey data.
• Assist in data entry, map properties and species, and report sample disposition.
• Maintain survey equipment and travel as required (outdoors in all weather).

Education

Thirty college credits in any subject

Thirty college credits in horticulture/plant science (preferred)

Job description

Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking an Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 to work in Suffolk County. The role involves performing visual surveys of plants for pests and diseases, collecting samples, deploying traps, labeling and packing samples for laboratory analysis, accurately recording survey data, assisting in data entry, mapping properties and species, reporting sample disposition, and maintaining survey equipment. Work is outdoors in all weather conditions and may require overnight travel.

Compensation and Schedule

Hourly wage: $20.83/hour. Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Positions are temporary and seasonal with renewals across two seasons: April 1 to November 30 and December 1 to March 31.

Benefits

This PEF‑represented position offers a comprehensive package including health and dental insurance, vision coverage, participation in the New York State Pension Plan, paid time off (5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, 13 paid holidays in the first year), and access to additional programs such as the Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY's 529 College Savings Program. Eligible employees may qualify for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Travel Requirements

Positions require extensive travel. Applicants must possess, at appointment and continuously thereafter, a valid New York State driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle, or demonstrate capacity to meet transportation requirements for field work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Thirty college credits in any subject.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thirty college credits in horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, botany, entomology, environmental studies/plant science, or a biological science related to plant science.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations and modifications as necessary. To request accommodations, please contact the department via its official channels.

Additional Position Information

Division: Plant Industry

Negotiating Unit: PEF

Location: Suffolk County

Number of Vacancies: One

Status of Vacancy: Full‑time; Temporary, Seasonal

Jurisdictional Class: Non‑Competitive

Civil Service List(s): No Eligible List Exists

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets