Outdoor Insect Detection Specialist II

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 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.