Plant Health Inspector

Primary Location : United States of America-OHIO-Licking County-Reynoldsburg
Organization : Agriculture
Classified Indicator : Classified
Bargaining Unit / Exempt : Bargaining Unit
Schedule : Full-time
Work Hours : 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Compensation : $52,936 - $69,950 Based on Qualifications
Unposting Date : May 15, 2024, 10:59:00 PM
Primary Job Skill : Plant Health
Technical Skills : Technical Writing, Agriculture, Administrative support/services
Professional Skills : Attention to Detail, Critical Thinking, Flexibility, Listening, Time Management
Agency Contact Name : Linda Roberts
Agency Contact Information : Plant Health Inspector
(240001WQ) Job Duties Compensation: Competitive Salary $52,936 - $69,950 Who We Are: ODA helps Ohioans in many ways including: supporting agriculture, protecting consumers, safeguarding plants and animals, and conserving natural resources. As a cabinet-level agency, we answer to the Governor, and we get a lot of stuff done! Ohio's food and agriculture industry is huge, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. This success starts on the farm, but these aren't your great grandpa's farms! They may have started way back when, but many of Ohio's more than 70,000 farms are modern, state-of-the-art operations that use technology to maximize production to feed our growing population.
ODA is located in Reynoldsburg on a beautiful, 158-acre campus. Parking is free and so are the amazing connections you will make with professionals who are known as the best in their field.
What We Do: At ODA, we do a lot that helps a lot of people. That's a pretty big deal! We make sure the meat and food you eat and the milk you drink is safe. We protect farmland and conserve our soil and water resources. We keep Ohio's plants, crops, and livestock free of pests and disease. We house the state's top food safety lab and serve as a hub for a statewide lab safety system. We make sure you get what you pay for through ensuring accurate weights and measures standards. We oversee Ohio's fairs and make sure the amusement rides you love are safe. As a member of ODA's family, you'll be working with a team of the highest caliber, doing work that makes a difference to all Ohioans.
What You'll Do: The Ohio Department of Agriculture is currently seeking candidates for a Plant Health Inspector (Office) position in the Plant Health Division, Pesticide/Fertilizer Regulation, headquartered in Licking County. The duties for the Plant Health Inspector (Office) position include but are not limited to:
At office headquarters, assists in routine administrative duties (i.e. filing and processing inspection paperwork, and processes recertification programs) Assists in updating and maintaining pesticide and fertilizer registration data system Receives written and verbal communication concerning pesticide and fertilizer product registrations Receives written and verbal communications from consumers regarding pesticide and fertilizer questions and/or complaints Works with supervisor to assign inspections to inspectors based on geographical location and information received during various communications with the public Provides technical assistance to inspectors regarding pesticide and fertilizer licensing and registrations under Ohio pesticide and fertilizer laws Performs other related duties as assigned: assists all other Plant Health Division programs and/or other Department of Agriculture divisions Attends training Travels to meetings and/or conferences Participates in group projects as required Conducts inspections of pesticide applicators, distributors and production facilities to assure compliance with state and federal laws Conducts fertilizer-related inspections for registration of fertilizer manufacturers, distributors and blenders of all agricultural, specialty and non-agricultural fertilizers Inspects sales records to assure legal sale of restricted-use pesticides, inspects pesticide application records Observes pesticide applicators while applying pesticides Assures proper licensing and product labeling of fertilizers and liming materials Inspects anhydrous ammonia storage sites and application equipment Performs marketplace inspections to assure pesticide products are registered Gathers facts and assembles for use as evidence in hearings and/or prosecution Interviews and discusses licensure and compliance with establishments producing pesticides or pesticide-containing products Prepares reports of findings Monitors pesticide examinations of farmers and commercial applicators Verifies fertilizer tonnage reports Issues stop sales, withdraw from distribution orders as necessary when fertilizer or pesticide products are out of compliance Reviews product labels for compliance applicable laws and regulations Provides presentations of regulatory issues and related topics Conducts investigations of citizen complaints about damage from pesticide applications Conducts routine sampling of pesticide products, fertilizer products, limestone, hydrated lime, burnt lime and industrial byproducts Submits samples to ODA Analytical Laboratory for analyses Provides testimony in administrative, civil and criminal proceedings Collects samples following chain of custody using US EPA protocol Performs other related duties 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 DEI 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: At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
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: o Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.
o Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).
o Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.
o Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.
o 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. Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Qualifications
Completion of undergraduate core coursework in agricultural field (e.g., agronomy, biology, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, environmental science)
AND 1 year experience in agricultural field commensurate with duties to be performed as described on the approved position description on file
AND 3 months experience in operation of personal computer
AND valid driver's license.
OR equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
Job Skills: Plant Health
ADA Statement Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free Workplace The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
Knowledge of entomology, zoology, botany, ecology, environmental science, natural resources, plant pathology, horticulture, or agriculture, or related field of study; state & federal laws, rules & regulations (e.g., plant pest inspection, quarantine & eradication*, manufacture, storage & use of pesticides & fertilizers, phyto-sanitary certification regulations & standards, grain warehousing, feed & seed); public relations; human relations; interviewing; bookkeeping*; inventory control*; grain warehouse storage methods; algebra; geometry; accounting; economics.Skill in use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) devices *; operation of personal computer/laptop & related software (e.g., ExamHand); use of inspection tools (e.g., magnifying glasses, collection tweezers, aerial digital sketch pads, pruners, saws, staple guns; topographical compass; binoculars; acreage measuring device); use of biological sampling kits; use of weather sampling kits; use of first aid kits; operation of slide projector; operation of 2-way radio; operation of digital camera*; operation of a motor vehicle.Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts & draw valid conclusions; write meaningful, concise & accurate reports; use research methods in gathering data; gather, collate & classify information about data, people or things; proofread technical materials, recognize errors & make corrections; answer routine inquiries from public; handle sensitive inquiries from & contacts with officials & general public; cooperate with co-workers on group assignments; assist with training & mentoring of seasonal workers & new employees; stand, walk & bend to perform inspections; demonstrate dexterity to use hands & feet skillfully (e.g., expose insects); demonstrate agility to climb over & around logs piles, lumber stacks, tree limbs, briars, foliage & brush; hike up & down hills carrying back pack & supplies; climb to heights of 130 feet; demonstrate strength to lift up to 50 lbs.


(*)Developed after employment.

****************$25.45 Per Hour to Start*************** Works outside exposed to varying weather conditions; exposed to pesticides; exposed to machinery, dirt & dust; climbs heights of up to 130 feet; exposed to insects & subject to insect stings, ticks & poison ivy; exposed to angry hostile landowners; required to work in crawl spaces when conducting inspections; requires overnight travel. Training & Development Required to Remain in Classification After Employment : Must obtain federal credentials commensurate with program area to be assigned as per approved position description on file (e.g., USEPA, FIFRA, FDA, USDA ACO) and for positions assigned to Grain, Feed, & Seed program: Must master ExamHand Ohio software program & other associated computer applications. Background Check Information
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration. The recommended candidate for this position will be required to take a drug screen as part of their approval process. A candidate who tests positive for illegal or improperly used controlled drugs will not be hired.