Plant Pest & Quarantine Specialist (Regional)

State of North Carolina; North Carolina; On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of North Carolina is seeking an Agricultural Program Specialist I (NS) in the Plant Industry Division to implement pest risk mitigation strategies, conduct inspections, and manage plant pest programs. The role requires coordination with producers, extension staff, and the public to solve regulatory issues.

You will oversee programs across multiple counties, ensure compliance with phytosanitary requirements, and work toward certification and permitting processes.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn and effectively interpret state and federal laws relating to plant pests.
• Knowledge of the principles of entomology, plant pathology, weed science, or horticulture.
• Ability to identify plant pests and to provide control measures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the nursery industry and the agricultural community, the general public and extension staff.
• Ability to work independently and to function as an effective team member.

Responsibilities

• Implement pest risk mitigation strategies including plant pest quarantines, inspections, and export certification.
• Conduct nursery inspections, nursery dealer inspections, aquatic dealer inspections, and plant certification programs.
• Manage insect, disease and weed programs, including trapping, monitoring and eradication/control.
• Issue certificates or permits for movement of regulated articles in compliance with regulations.
• Serve as a technical consultant and liaison between producers, agribusiness, extension, and the public.

Skills

Entomology

Plant pathology

Weed science

Horticulture

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in entomology/plant pathology/horticulture

Job description

The State of North Carolina is seeking an Agricultural Program Specialist I (NS) in the Plant Industry Division to implement pest risk mitigation strategies, conduct inspections, and manage plant pest programs. The role requires coordination with producers, extension staff, and the public to solve regulatory issues.

You will oversee programs across multiple counties, ensure compliance with phytosanitary requirements, and work toward certification and permitting processes.