Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 - 73033

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets; New York (NY); On-site; USD 33,144 - 40,509; Full time

Job summary

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking an Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 for Suffolk County, NY. The role involves outdoor field work, collecting samples, deploying traps, and recording data across two seasons (April–Nov and Dec–Mar).

The position is temporary, full-time (40 hrs/week), with travel requirements and overnight stays possible. A valid NY driver's license is needed and the division is Plant Industry.

Qualifications

• Minimum: 30 college credits in any subject.
• Preferred: 30 college credits in horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, botany, entomology, environmental studies/plant science, or a biological science related to plant studies.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual surveys of plants to identify pests and diseases.
• Collect samples of leaves, soil, seeds, or other commodities.
• Deploy traps and lures under established protocols.
• Label and pack samples for laboratory submission.
• Accurately record survey data, crop history, dates, field size, treatments, and lab results.
• Assist with data entry and mapping of property locations.
• Report sample quantity and disposition to supervisor or program manager.
• Clean and maintain survey equipment.

Skills

Visual surveys

Data recording

Sample collection

Lab submission prep

Education

College credits (30+)

Horticulture/plant science background (preferred)

Job description

Posting Dates: July 6, 2026 - July 16, 2026

Position: Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 (Suffolk County, New York)

This role assists in performing visual surveys of plants for pests, collecting samples, deploying traps, labeling and packing samples for laboratory analysis, recording data, mapping properties, and maintaining survey equipment. The position is temporary, seasonal, full‑time (40 hrs/week), Monday‑Friday, with two seasons (April 1 – November 30 and December 1 – March 31). Work is outdoors on farm fields in all weather and may require overnight travel.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual surveys of plants to identify pests and plant diseases.
• Collect samples of leaves, soil, seeds, or other commodities.
• Deploy traps and lures under established protocols.
• Label and pack samples for laboratory submission.
• Accurately record survey data, crop history, dates, field size, treatments, and lab results.
• Assist with data entry and mapping of property locations.
• Report sample quantity and disposition to supervisor or program manager.
• Clean and maintain survey equipment.

Qualifications

• Minimum: 30 college credits in any subject.
• Preferred: 30 college credits in horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, botany, entomology, environmental studies/plant science, or a biological science related to plant studies.

Travel and Physical Requirements

• Extensive travel required; must possess a valid New York State driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle, or demonstrate ability to meet transportation requirements.
• Work outdoors, walking and standing on farm fields in all weather conditions.
• Overnight travel may be required.

Benefits

• Full-time salary of $20.83 per hour.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, New York State Pension Plan, paid leave (5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, 13 paid holidays in the first year).
• Additional benefits: Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY 529 College Savings Program.
• Eligible for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

How to Apply

Eligible and interested candidates should apply online by July 16, 2026. Upload resume, transcript, and cover letter during the application process.

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

Additional Position Information

• Division: Plant Industry
• Negotiating Unit: PEF
• Location: Suffolk County
• Vacancies: One
• Status: Full‑time; Temporary, Seasonal
• Jurisdictional Class: Non‑Competitive
• Civil Service List(s): No Eligible List Exists