Assistant Horticultural Inspector

Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking an Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 to work in Suffolk County. The role involves performing visual surveys of plants for pests and diseases, collecting samples, deploying traps, labeling and packing samples for laboratory analysis, accurately recording survey data, assisting in data entry, mapping properties and species, reporting sample disposition, and maintaining survey equipment.

Work is outdoors in all weather conditions and may require overnight travel.

Hourly wage: $20.83/hour. Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Positions are temporary and seasonal with renewals across two seasons:
April 1 to November 30 and December 1 to March 31.

This PEF‑represented position offers a comprehensive package including health and dental insurance, vision coverage, participation in the New York State Pension Plan, paid time off (5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, 13 paid holidays in the first year), and access to additional programs such as the Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY's 529 College Savings Program.

Eligible employees may qualify for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Positions require extensive travel. Applicants must possess, at appointment and continuously thereafter, a valid New York State driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle, or demonstrate capacity to meet transportation requirements for field work.

• Thirty college credits in any subject.

• Thirty college credits in horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, botany, entomology, environmental studies/plant science, or a biological science related to plant science.

The department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations and modifications as necessary. To request accommodations, please contact the department via its official channels.

Division: Plant Industry

Negotiating Unit: PEF

Location: Suffolk County

Number of Vacancies: One

Status of Vacancy: Full‑time;
Temporary, Seasonal

Jurisdictional Class: Non‑Competitive

Civil Service List(s): No Eligible List Exists