Pest Detection Specialist Seasonal

Salary: $31.58/hr - $37.36/hr (County of San Mateo). Pay based on skills and experience.

Pest Detection Specialists deploy a variety of insect traps throughout San Mateo County and conduct routine field inspections to detect exotic agricultural pests such as Mediterranean fruit fly, Mexican fruit fly, Japanese Beetle, oriental fruit fly, spongy moth, glassy-winged sharpshooter and other invasive insects.

This is a seasonal position working 40 hours per week from mid-March through mid-December. Staff in these positions work Tuesday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. For 2026, the season will begin March 16, 2026 and end December 18, 2026.

San Mateo County is both an urban and rural county with a $100 million-dollar agricultural industry. The county is one of the leading producers of greenhouse and field grown nursery crops, including cut flowers, in the state. Other major crops include artichokes, beans, Brussels sprouts, leeks, peas, and pumpkins. Pest Detection Specialists play a crucial role in keeping San Mateo County free of invasive insect pests detrimental to agriculture and the environment.

• Experience in agricultural pest detection or vector control and/or college coursework in the agricultural, horticultural or biological sciences.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to safely handle and apply pesticides in accordance with regulations.
• Keep accurate records.
• Valid driver's license (required for frequent driving and travel to multiple locations).

• Contact property owners and obtain permission to set traps.
• Deploy insect traps and inspect for presence of pests.
• Make tentative identification of trapped pests and report findings.
• Maintain a daily log and prepare periodic reports on activities.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• California driver license.
• Excellent public contact skills and the ability to learn quickly and work independently in the field, using good judgment and making appropriate decisions.

The examination will consist of an interview (weight: 100%) which may include a writing and/or performance exercise(s) given before, during or after the interview. An application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or a screening committee may select those applicants whose education and/or experience appear to best meet the needs of the position. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the examination process.

All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

Applications for this position can only be accepted online. Submit through (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./ before midnight on the final filing date.

Final Filing Date:
Friday, January 30, 2026 11:59 p.m. PST

Open. Anyone may apply.