Horticultural Inspector or Trainee; NY HELPS - Queens, Bronx, Kings, Manhattan, and Richmond

Horticultural Inspector 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS)

Queens, Bronx, Kings, Manhattan, and Richmond County, NY

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets seeks a Horticultural Inspector 1 or Trainee. The inspector inspects plants, plant products, nurseries and greenhouses to determine plant viability, detect injurious insects and diseases, recommend eradication/control, issue quarantines, and inspect shipments of plants, fertilizers, and liming materials. The inspector also completes reports, maintains records, assists with exotic pest surveys, and provides education to the public and industry through exhibits, seminars, and committee service.

This is a full‑time, 40‑hour per week position, Monday‑Friday. Experience may be gained by working the job or through a structured two‑year traineeship leading to progression to SG‑16 and SG‑18 levels.

This role can be based from home and requires extensive travel within the assigned region. The holder must have a valid driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle, and may be required to travel out of state for overnight training sessions.

Health, dental and vision insurance; NYS pension plan; paid time off (5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, 13 paid holidays in the first year); eligibility for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments.

Bachelor’s degree supplemented by 24 semester credit hours in horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, botany, ecology, entomology, environmental studies/plant science, or a related biological science focusing on plants and plant pests.

Relevant coursework as listed above. Experienced horticultural production, plant pest management, landscape installation/maintenance, cooperative extension education, fruit/vegetable farm products inspection, or horticultural inspection may substitute for up to 60 college credits, with one year of experience equaling 30 semester credit hours.

One year of relevant experience may allow appointment to Trainee 2 and reduce the traineeship by one year; two years may allow direct appointment as Inspector 1 (SG‑18).

• Employment as a horticulturist in a commercial nursery or greenhouse
• Plant pest or disease control specialist
• Landscaper involved in residential or commercial site development
• Cooperative extension agent educating the commercial greenhouse/nursery industry
• Assistant Horticultural Inspector
• Grade inspector of fruit and vegetable farm products or similar regulatory role

• Landscape designer
• Food service or inspection
• Urban pest extermination (e.g., rodents, roaches, ants, bats, carpenter ants)
• Dairy‑related work

• Current department employee with one year of permanent service as Horticultural Inspector Trainee 1, NS, or Inspector 1, G‑18
• OR degree with 24 semester credit hours as above, plus location‑based service

Extensive travel required, including out‑of‑state overnight trips as needed.

Candidates must apply online before April 18, 2026 and upload résumé, transcript, and cover letter.

The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity, and reasonable accommodations and/or modifications as necessary, for qualified persons with disabilities.

• Division:
  Plant Industry
• Unit: PEF
• Location:
  
  Queens, Bronx, Kings, Manhattan, and Richmond County
• Vacancies:
  One
• Full‑time Permanent
• Competitive
• Eligible List Exists