Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 - 73033

Posting Dates:
July 6, 2026 - July 16, 2026

Position:
Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 (Suffolk County, New York)

This role assists in performing visual surveys of plants for pests, collecting samples, deploying traps, labeling and packing samples for laboratory analysis, recording data, mapping properties, and maintaining survey equipment. The position is temporary, seasonal, full‑time (40 hrs/week), Monday‑Friday, with two seasons (April 1 – November 30 and December 1 – March 31). Work is outdoors on farm fields in all weather and may require overnight travel.

• Perform visual surveys of plants to identify pests and plant diseases.
• Collect samples of leaves, soil, seeds, or other commodities.
• Deploy traps and lures under established protocols.
• Label and pack samples for laboratory submission.
• Accurately record survey data, crop history, dates, field size, treatments, and lab results.
• Assist with data entry and mapping of property locations.
• Report sample quantity and disposition to supervisor or program manager.
• Clean and maintain survey equipment.

• Minimum: 30 college credits in any subject.
• Preferred: 30 college credits in horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, botany, entomology, environmental studies/plant science, or a biological science related to plant studies.

• Extensive travel required; must possess a valid New York State driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle, or demonstrate ability to meet transportation requirements.
• Work outdoors, walking and standing on farm fields in all weather conditions.
• Overnight travel may be required.

• Full-time salary of $20.83 per hour.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, New York State Pension Plan, paid leave (5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, 13 paid holidays in the first year).
• Additional benefits:
  Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY 529 College Savings Program.
• Eligible for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Eligible and interested candidates should apply online by July 16, 2026. Upload resume, transcript, and cover letter during the application process.

The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The agency is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Division:
  Plant Industry
• Negotiating Unit: PEF
• Location:
  
  Suffolk County
• Vacancies:
  One
• Status:
  Full‑time;
  Temporary, Seasonal
• Jurisdictional Class:
  Non‑Competitive
• Civil Service List(s):
  No Eligible List Exists