Plant Industry Inspection Technician

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania
$44,890.00 - $67,678.00 Annually
dental insurance, vision insurance, parental leave, vacation time, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan
United States, Pennsylvania, Mercer
801 Butler Pike (Show on map)
Apr 25, 2025
THE POSITION Are you looking to advance your career in agricultural sciences while playing a vital role in protecting Pennsylvania's agricultural sector and ensuring consumer safety? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is calling for exceptional candidates to apply for the position of Plant Industry Inspection Technician. This role is essential for conducting inspections and carrying out enforcement and service activities related to agronomic products and pesticides within the Bureau of Plant Industry. By joining this team, you will have the opportunity to significantly influence the health of our agricultural resources and contribute to the well-being of local communities. Seize this chance to lead the way in agricultural stewardship across Pennsylvania! DESCRIPTION OF WORK In this position, you will be responsible for performing technical inspections, enforcing regulations, and carrying out service-related tasks concerning mushroom growing facilities, animal feed, fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides within the Bureau of Plant Industry. Your duties will involve scrutinizing a variety of agronomic production facilities, as well as both wholesale and retail operations, to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws. Furthermore, you will be tasked with investigating and documenting consumer protection complaints, administering pesticide certification examinations, and facilitating ongoing education for industry professionals. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of compliance standards and the capability to effectively evaluate a range of establishments to uphold regulatory integrity. Our bureau is always looking to add Spanish speakers to our team! If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. Work Schedule and Additional Information: Full-time employment Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. This position will be home headquartered if applicant lives in Berks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery or Philadelphia counties Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position. Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: A bachelor's degree in the agricultural or biological sciences, which includes 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in plant science, and 3 credits in animal science; or An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in plant science, and 3 credits in animal science. Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree. Special Requirement: This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license. Other Requirements: You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency. You must be able to perform essential job functions. How to Apply: Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the above application requirements will eliminate you from consideration for this position. Veterans: Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):* 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. EXAMINATION INFORMATION Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam). Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. Your score is valid for this specific posting only. You must provide complete and accurate information or: your score may be lower than deserved. you may be disqualified. You may only apply/test once for this posting. Your results will be provided via email.