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 include plant pest quarantines, point-of-origin inspections, pest-free zones, certification and permitting, and compliance agreements.

• Perform inspections for nurseries, nursery dealers, and aquatic dealers.

• Execute plant certification initiatives.

• Manage requirements for export certification and issue Federal Phytosanitary Certificates.

• Implement programs addressing insects, diseases, and weeds, which encompass trapping, monitoring, and eradication/control measures.

• Grant 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, and the general public.

• Address and resolve plant pest regulatory issues.

• Supervise plant regulatory programs across Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Nash, Northampton, Vance, and Warren counties.

⛳️ Requirements

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

• The applicant must secure their pesticide applicator's license within one year of employment.

• The applicant must achieve status as a USDA-APHIS-PPQ Authorized Certifying Official within the designated USDA timeframe.

• The applicant must become a NCNLA Certified Plant Professional within 18 months of employment.

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

• Familiarity with the principles of entomology, plant pathology, weed science, or horticulture.

• Proficiency in identifying plant pests and recommending control measures.

• Ability to foster and maintain effective working relationships with the nursery industry, agricultural community, general public, and extension staff.

• Capacity to work independently while also being an effective team player.

• The selected candidate must either reside in or be willing to relocate to Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Nash, Northampton, Vance, Warren, or a neighboring county.

• Relevant education and experience must be detailed in the completed online application; resumes will not be accepted as a substitute.

• Applicants for CDL-related roles must fulfill applicable USDOT medical certificate and pre-employment requirements.

🏝️ Benefits

• Benefits offered to state employees.

• Reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities.

• Reasonable accommodations for known limitations associated with pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

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

• Preference may be given to veterans and National Guard members.