Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 - 73031

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets; New York (NY); On-site; USD 29,842,948 - 31,684,800; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision care

New York State Pension Plan

Paid time off

Public service loan forgiveness (elig.

Job summary

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets seeks an Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 in Suffolk County, NY. The position is part-time and seasonal, offering 20 hours per week at $20.83 per hour. Duties include field surveys, sample collection, data recording, and reporting findings in a dynamic environment supporting agriculture and communities.

Seasons run April 1 through November 30 and December 1 through March 31. Travel may be required and overnight work could occur.

Qualifications

• At least 30 college credits in any subject.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual surveys of plants for pests and collect samples.
• Deploy traps and lures, label and pack samples for lab analysis.
• Record and enter survey data, map properties and species.

Job description

Suffolk County, NY

July 16, 2026

Position Title

Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1

Salary

$20.83/Hour

Division

Plant Industry

Location

Suffolk County, NY

Job Overview

Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Join our team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits producers and consumers alike. Work in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.

Position Information

The Department is seeking one Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1. Responsibilities include performing visual surveys of plants for pests, collecting samples of leaves, seeds or other commodities, deploying traps and lures, labeling and packing samples for laboratory analysis, recording and entering survey data, mapping properties and species, reporting sample disposition, and maintaining survey equipment. This is a part‑time, seasonal position working 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Positions are temporary and conservative with renewal from season to season. Seasons run from April 1 through November 30 and December 1 through March 31. Duties require walking and standing outside in all weather conditions, and overnight travel may be required.

Work Hours & Salary

Pay rate: $20.83/hour. Hours: 20 per week, Monday – Friday.

Benefits

This PEF‑represented position offers a comprehensive benefits package: cost‑effective health insurance, fully covered dental and vision care, participation in the New York State Pension Plan, and paid time off. First year includes 5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays. Additional programs: Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, NY 529 College Savings Program. Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility may apply.

Minimum Qualifications

At least 30 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 studies.

Travel Requirements

Must possess a valid driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle for the duration of the appointment, or demonstrate ability to meet transportation needs for field work.

How to Apply

Submit application through the provided link by July 16, 2026. Upload resume, transcript, and cover letter.

Equal Opportunity

The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity and reasonable accommodations as necessary for qualified persons with disabilities. For accommodations, visit https://agriculture.ny.gov/employment-information.

Additional Position Information

• Division: Plant Industry
• Negotiating Unit: PEF
• Location: Suffolk County
• Number of Vacancies: One
• Status of Vacancy: Part‑time; Temporary, Seasonal
• Hours Per Week: 20 Hours
• Jurisdictional Class: Non‑Competitive
• Civil Service List(s): No Eligible List Exists