Investigator IV

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Safeguards natural resources through regulatory enforcement, investigations, and education. Conducts surveys in forested and residential areas to identify host trees and evaluate potential infestations of the Asian long horned beetle (ALB) using field tools such as binoculars, GPS, and tablets. Engages in field tasks to inspect work sites, monitor the transportation and disposal of regulated articles, and enforce ALB quarantine regulations. Builds strong working relationships with various stakeholders to facilitate information sharing, compliance with regulations, and provide community updates.

Participates in educational and outreach activities about invasive species and related services. Assists in early detection and rapid response to plant pest infestations that may cause substantial economic damage to South Carolina. Seeks relevant training and ongoing education opportunities to stay current in the field of plant pest prevention and management. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential (40%) – Inspections and Compliance
Conducts surveys and inspections to determine compliance with the Federal Plant Protection Act, the SC Crop Protection Act, the Asian Long horned Beetle (ALB) Quarantine(s), and other Federal and State legislation. Surveys forests, residential and commercial properties, and other wooded properties to detect ALB. Develops familiarity with ALB and other Department target invasive pests and secures appropriate locations to conduct surveys. Submits appropriate survey observation data.

Supports Federal and State quarantine programs and other ongoing plant protection efforts of the Department. Provides phytosanitary inspection services to facilitate trade and prevent pest movement. Issues certificates, compliance agreements, or other necessary shipping documents.

Essential (25%) – Investigations
Conducts investigations as an agent of the South Carolina Crop Pest Commission to determine compliance with State and Federal regulations that govern the sale and distribution of regulated articles. Enforces all aspects of the Asian Long horned Beetle (ALB) Quarantine. Inspects and reviews business records and physical facilities at commercial operations for compliance with the Federal Plant Protection Act, the SC Crop Protection Act, the ALB Quarantine, and other Federal and State legislation for compliance.

Conducts interviews, collects samples, obtains affidavits, and collects and reviews sales, shipping, and receipt records. Maintains proper chain of custody for all samples, records, and other evidence collected via investigations. Ensures the industry meets certification standard.

Essential (25%) – Reporting
Submits accurate and thorough reports detailing the findings of each inspection or investigation using the appropriate Department database or application. Collects and reports timely pest survey data using data collection applications provided. Communicates survey and inspection results with managers to aid grant reporting and response to pest detections or non‑compliances. Performs timely reporting within other University‑assigned data collection systems.

Essential (5%) – Education and Outreach
Participates in educational programming and public outreach activities emphasizing regulation through education. Collaborates with University staff, State agencies, or Federal cooperators to organize and attend events. Informs members of the regulated community and other stakeholders about plant pests and relevant services through participation in trade shows, conferences, public events, and classroom presentations. Provides technical assistance to industry.

Essential (5%) – Other Duties as Assigned
Responds to plant pest detection events throughout the state. Serves in an assigned role, often in collaboration with other units or agencies, to meet operational goals. Implements field strategies, including but not limited to trace investigations, inspections, sampling, surveys, destruction, and treatments. Develops and maintains an understanding of emergency preparedness and agroterrorism prevention strategies…