Plant Pest Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in North Carolina.

📋 Description

• Develop and implement strategies for pest risk mitigation, which encompass plant pest quarantines, inspections at points of origin, establishment of pest-free areas, certification and permitting, as well as compliance agreements.

• Carry out inspections for nurseries, nursery dealers, and aquatic dealers.

• Execute plant certification programs.

• Oversee export certification requirements and issue Federal Phytosanitary Certificates.

• Administer programs related to insects, diseases, and weeds, including trapping, monitoring, and eradication/control measures.

• Provide certificates or permits for the movement of regulated articles in accordance with established regulations.

• Act as a technical consultant and liaison among producers, agribusiness, extension services, and the general public.

• Supervise plant regulatory programs across Duplin, New Hanover, Pender, Wayne, and Wilson counties.

• Engage in both home-based and field activities.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in entomology, plant pathology, or horticulture with a focus on pest management, crop science, or a closely related biological science from an accredited institution, along with two years of experience in plant inspection/specialist roles; or a similar combination of education and experience.

• Must obtain a pesticide applicator's license within one year of employment.

• Required to become a USDA-APHIS-PPQ Authorized Certifying Official within the designated USDA timeline.

• Must achieve NCNLA Certified Plant Professional status within 18 months of hire.

• Capability to learn and accurately interpret state and federal regulations pertaining to plant pests.

• Understanding of entomology, plant pathology, weed science, or horticulture.

• Proficiency in identifying plant pests and advising on control measures.

• Ability to establish and sustain working relationships with the nursery industry, agricultural community, general public, and extension staff.

• Competence to work independently while also being an effective team member.

• Must either reside in or be willing to relocate to Duplin, New Hanover, Pender, Wayne, or Wilson County, or any adjacent county.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive state employee benefits.

• Reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities.

• Reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

• Reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

• Eligibility for veteran's/National Guard preference where applicable.