Plant Protection & Weed Control – Plant Protection Specialist

Overview

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

This position will remain posted until filled. 

Location: Candidates must live in one of the following counties in Kansas or be willing to relocate to the assigned area: Cheyenne, Clark, Decatur, Finney, Ford, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Lane, Logan, Meade, Morton, Ness, Norton, Rawlins, Scott, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, Wichita.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is seeking a dedicated public servant to serve as the Western Plant Protection Specialist in the Plant Protection and Weed Control program.

Responsibilities of the position include:

Inspect plants, plant products and agricultural seed for exporters of plants and plant products, live plant dealers and seed dealers to ensure compliance with statutes and other regulatory requirements. Communicate with clients, provide direction for mitigation of pests or other non-compliance concerns as needed, and issue necessary documentation.

Conduct surveys for plant pests and perform other pest detection activities in dealer facilities, production fields and other high risk locations. Collect, evaluate and report on distribution of pests.

Initiate appropriate enforcement actions for live plant dealers, seed dealers and other clients when violations of applicable statutes and/or other regulations are encountered. Provide program and/or enforcement support to associated government agencies.

Occasional overnight travel is required.

Maintain records of inspection and pest detection activities through program database. Utilize GPS tracking systems.

Work in variable weather and site conditions, traverse non-uniform terrain and operate an ATV/UTV for certain field inspections. Activities may occasionally require working from heights or in confined spaces.

Complete work with minimal daily supervision, utilize regular independent judgment and discretion to accomplish assigned duties, maintain a high level of technical expertise through continuing education, work independently in the field and develop creative solutions when the need arises.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a biological science such as agronomy, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, etc., is required.
• Ability to obtain certification with USDA-APHIS-PPQ to complete export commodity certification inspections and issue federal export certification documents.
• This position must perform routine office tasks such as sitting, reading, examining documents, and viewing a computer for long periods of time.
• This position requires the physical dexterity that permits standing, kneeling, bending, and stretching, and climbing up and down steps, and lifting objects.
• Employee is required have a valid Class C (or higher) Kansas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
• Employee is responsible to maintain an acceptable driving record to safely drive state vehicle and be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

Compensation:

• Annual Salary: $49,500/Year
• Hourly Pay: $23.80/Hour

Employment Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs