Survey Technician (Project)

Ohio Department of Agriculture; Kentucky; On-site; USD 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental and vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

The Ohio Department of Agriculture is actively seeking candidates to participate in the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) program. You will learn agriculture basics from experts and contribute to a cleaner, safer Ohio. The role involves inspecting trees for ALB signs, training in survey methods, and using GIS for data entry and analysis.

Position is full-time with a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits. Emphasis on field survey, data management, and collaboration across program units.

Qualifications

• 3 months training or 3 months experience in field survey.
• Must be able to provide own transportation.
• Equivalent Of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment Noted Above.

Responsibilities

• Inspects trees for signs of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) and assists Plant Health Inspectors in different work units.
• Receives training in surveying host trees and tree identification.
• Uses proper tools for tree inspections (binoculars, spotting scope).
• Completes data entry for all tree inspections and records and operates data collection devices using maps and GIS.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Verbal communication

Public health

Plant health

Job description

What You’ll Do

No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio. ODA is seeking qualified candidates to be part of the continued success of the ALB program.

• Inspects trees for signs of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) & assists Plant Health Inspectors in different work units of the program (i.e. contract survey, regulatory, outreach, quality assurance, data management, etc.)


• Receives training in surveying host trees & tree identification


• Uses proper tools (i.e. binoculars, spotting scope) for tree inspections


• Completes data entry for all tree inspections & records & operates data collection devices by using maps & Global Information System (GIS) for later data analysis


• Maintains & secures all state issued property (e.g., equipment, maps, forms, data)


• Sets up survey locations & establishes scheduled itinerary in accordance with department guidelines


• Gains access to private properties for inspections


• Assists Plant Health Inspectors with monitoring contractors during tree survey & performing quality control checks on data collection & tree inspections


• Operates laptop computer & related software & prepares email to send various survey information


• Administers tree identification & ALB damage tests for contracting staff


• Places traps & inspects for box tree moth (BTM) & other plant pests


• Responds to reports of alleged sightings of ALB & other plant pest


• Assists inspectors & management with pesticide treatment application, maintenance of survey equipment, cleaning & servicing state vehicles


• Receives training, assists with, & participates in other plant pest programs as assigned

This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.

We Support Diversity And Inclusion

ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

What’s In It For You

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are free after one year of continuous service.

Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave


• 11 paid holidays per year


• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Maternity Benefits

• Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.


• Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include:


• Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.


• Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).


• Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.


• Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.


• Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.


• Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits.


• Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third‑party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.

3 months training or 3 months experience in field survey

AND

Must be able to provide own transportation.

OR

1 course or 3 months experience in geometry; 1 course or 3 months experience in trigonometry

AND

Must be able to provide own transportation.

OR

Equivalent Of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment Noted Above.

Organization

Agriculture

Compensation

$21.83

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Primary Job Skill

Agriculture

Technical Skills

Agriculture, Equipment Operations, Forestry, Public Health, Plant Health

Professional Skills

Attention to Detail, Collaboration, Establishing Relationships, Teamwork, Verbal Communication

Agency Overview

Competitive Salary: $45,406 - $51,230 Annually

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio! The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation.

ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch.

You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.

What We Do

Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!

The Ohio Department of Agriculture's Division of Plant Health houses the Grain Warehouse, Feed & Seed, Pesticide & Fertilizer Regulation, and Plant Pest Control sections, which are responsible for many consumer- and farmer-protections regulations. This position works within the Asian Longhorned Beetle Program. Find more information about this invasive pest and the work ODA is doing to eradicate it by following this link .

As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.