State Survey Coordinator

State of North Carolina - Agriculture & Consumer Services; North Carolina; On-site; USD 53,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of North Carolina - Agriculture & Consumer Services seeks an Agricultural Program Specialist II (NS) to coordinate the State Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS). The role involves evaluating agricultural risk, planning statewide surveys, directing field staff, and collecting data on exotic pests.

It emphasizes training staff, securing funding, and engaging cooperators and the public. The position requires a Master’s degree in horticulture or crop science with related

Qualifications

• Master's degree in horticulture, crop science, weed science, or closely related curriculum with one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to plant pests and pest management.
• Ability to develop effective outreach materials and present to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate agricultural risk and develop survey plans for CAPS.
• Implement statewide or localized surveys and collect data on exotic pests.
• Supervise and train temporary staff for survey activities.
• Secure and manage funding through USDA-APHIS-PPQ cooperative agreements.
• Lead outreach highlighting early detection and public awareness of plant pests.

Skills

Relationship management

Pest management knowledge

Outreach & communication

Mobile technology familiarity

Education

Master's degree in horticulture or crop science

Tools

Mapping software

Mobile apps

Job description

AgencyDept of Agriculture , Consumer ServicesDivisionAgriculture Consumer ServiceJob Classification TitleAgricultural Program Specialist II (NS)Position Number60012548GradeNC14About UsThe N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.Description of WorkJob postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.This is a Time-Limited Full-Time Position contingent upon renewal of federal funding.Renewal date: July 1st, 2027The primary purpose of the State Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Coordinator position is evaluating agricultural risk, developing corresponding survey plans, implementing state-wide or localized surveys and collecting and submitting data for exotic plant pests, pests of export significance, and pests that are not known to occur in the United States. This position supervises and trains temporary staff as needed to conduct surveys. The CAPS Coordinator conducts pathway analysis and directs field staff and other full-time staff to sensitive areas for surveying where suspected exotic pests are most likely to be present. This position is responsible for securing and managing employment and survey funding through multiple USDA-APHIS-PPQ Cooperative Agreements. The survey coordinator position is responsible for targeted outreach highlighting the importance of early detection and general awareness of emerging plant pests to cooperators and the general public. This position works extensively and cooperatively with the USDA-APHIS-PPQ to implement each outlined component on a statewide level.Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management PreferencesRecruitment Range: $52,592 - $60,000Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with field staff, State CAPS Committee, USDA-APHIS, PPQ and other federal personnel, state agencies, and university, and commodity groups.Knowledge of state and federal laws related to plant pests and pest management.Ability to develop effective outreach materials and present information to a wide variety of audiences including citizens, industry groups field staff and other state and national regulatory agencies.Considerable knowledge of principles of entomology, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture, or crop science.General understanding of mobile technology use of apps. Background knowledge of mapping software.Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.Minimum Education and ExperienceSome state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.Master's degree in horticulture, crop science, weed science, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.EEO StatementT he State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.Recruiter:Lori Lynnette ReedRecruiter Email: [e-mail]