Spotted Lanternfly Compliance Inspector (Plant Industry Inspection Technician)

As a Spotted Lanternfly Compliance Inspector for the Department of Agriculture, you take part in important work that helps safeguard plants, products and public spaces. This job provides opportunities to learn, investigate and work directly with the public. It suits someone who values accuracy, communication and field-based responsibilities. Your efforts help protect Pennsylvania agriculture and support statewide pest control efforts.

This position inspects locations, reviews complaints and assists with pest control activities to support spotted lanternfly regulations. As a Spotted Lanternfly Compliance Inspector, you will perform the following duties:

• Establishment Inspection: Inspect businesses and other locations for proper permits, records and compliance with requirements
• Field Observation: Check non agricultural areas for spotted lanternfly activity and rule compliance
• Sample Collection: Gather and submit pest samples following established laboratory protocols
• Complaint Review: Investigate consumer reports of possible pest movement and collect samples when needed
• Pest Control Support: Assist with trapping, surveying, treatment efforts and pesticide applications
• Documentation Duties: Prepare inspection reports and provide guidance on correct recordkeeping

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 is based at the home headquarters, which includes the counties of Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York. You will be expected to travel in the field for this position.
• This position is home headquartered. In order to be home headquartered, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.
• Reports to 2301 N. Cameron Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 for non-inspection/office work.
• 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.

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/credits.

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 Guidelines.
• 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 may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

• 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.