State Survey Coordinator

State of North Carolina; North Carolina; On-site; USD 53,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

State of North Carolina seeks an Agricultural Program Specialist II (NS) to lead the State Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program. The role involves evaluating agricultural risk, developing survey plans, and directing field staff across the state to detect exotic pests and pests of export significance.

You will secure funding through multiple USDA agreements and coordinate outreach efforts. The position supervises temporary staff, collaborates with USDA-APHIS-PPQ, and ensures data

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in horticulture, crop science, weed science, or closely related field and one year of related experience.
• Equivalent education/experience may apply per policy.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate agricultural risk and develop survey plans.
• Implement state-wide or localized surveys for exotic plant pests.
• Collect and submit data for pests not known to occur in the U.S.
• Supervise and train temporary staff for surveys.
• Coordinate with USDA-APHIS-PPQ to secure funding and manage agreements.
• Conduct outreach to cooperators and the public about early pest detection.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder relations

Outreach materials

Pest science knowledge

Mobile mapping tools

Education

Master’s degree in horticulture or related

Tools

Mapping software

Job description

Agency

Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services

Division

Agriculture Consumer Service

Job Classification Title

Agricultural Program Specialist II (NS)

Position Number

60012548

Grade

NC14

About Us

The 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 Work

Job 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, 2027

The 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 Preferences

Recruitment Range: $52,592 - $60,000

• Ability 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.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some 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 Statement

The 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.

* 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.