Insect Detection Specialist II-26539901

County of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures is seeking qualified applicants for the Insect Detection Specialist II to conduct detection, trapping, field identification, and management of agricultural pests. Work under general supervision and train junior specialists.

Interviews are ongoing; starting salary is based on qualifications at appointment, with a 2027 pay adjustment announced (June). This role involves outdoor work and periodic travel.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in vertebrate, insect, plant disease or weed detection in nursery, horticulture or agricultural setting.
• OR completion of at least 18 units of college coursework in biology, botany, entomology or closely related science.
• OR six months of experience as an Insect Detection Specialist I in the County of San Diego or equivalent pest detection experience with other counties or CDFA.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detection, trapping, field identification, and management of agricultural pests.
• Operate under general supervision and independently perform field and laboratory support tasks.
• Train junior Insect Detection Specialists.

Skills

Insect detection

Field identification

Pest management

Outdoor work

Education

18 college units in biology/entomology/related sciences

Biology/entomology coursework

Job description

The County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures is seeking qualified applicants for:

INSECT DETECTION SPECIALIST II

Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis.

The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications at time of appointment.

Future Salary Increases

** June 2027 – 4.17% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 1.17% Market Adjustment)

If working independently outdoors and having an interest in plants, insects or horticulture appeals to you, this might be your ideal job!

The mission of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (AWM) is to enhance public health and safety, ensure food security, facilitate agricultural trade, foster consumer confidence, and promote a sustainable environment in the San Diego region. It aims to unite educational and research resources to assist individuals, families, businesses, and communities in tackling issues related to agriculture, the environment, horticulture, and public health.

Insect Detection Specialists II are tasked with conducting detection, trapping, field identification, and management of agricultural pests. They operate under general supervision and independently carry out a range of field and laboratory support tasks, in addition to training junior Insect Detection Specialists.

Hiring Process & Timeline:

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

1. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
2. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
3. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date. If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

1. One (1) year of experience in the areas of vertebrate, insect, plant disease or weed detection and/or identification in a nursery, horticulture or agricultural setting; OR,
2. Completion of at least eighteen (18) units of college level course work from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in biology, botany, entomology, or a closely related science; OR,
3. Six (6) months of experience as an Insect Detection Specialist I in the County of San Diego, or equivalent pest detection experience with other counties or California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Should you be seeking to qualify under Minimum Qualification #2, you are required to attach copies of your college documents—this includes your diploma, complete official or unofficial transcripts, foreign equivalency certificate, or a letter of verification—during the first step of the application submission process on our website.

Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a more fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Conditions of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Working Conditions

May be subject to occasional overtime and weekend work. May be subject to driving work trucks approximately 60-125 miles daily, and occasional walking up/down hills or slopes. May be subject to exposure to extremes in temperature, humidity or wetness, and small amounts of pesticides daily. May be subject to exposure to chemicals. May perform duties in conjunction with a detection dog team. Incumbents are required to work in outdoor and laboratory settings.

Evaluation Process

The names of qualified applicants will be placed on asix (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental applications.

Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization.

Veteran’s Preference Policy

The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.

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Strategic Plan

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Please see the Strategic Plan for more information.

Disaster Service Worker

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

Diversity & Inclusion

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.