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

Horticultural Inspector 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS)

Division of Plant Industry

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

Posting Dates:
April 8, 2026
- April 18, 2026

Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally.

Embrace the chance to join our team, and you'll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.

Position Information:

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about horticulture, agriculture, and the environment! The Department is seeking a Horticultural Inspector 1 or Trainee to work in Queens, Bronx, Kings, Manhattan, and Richmond County. The Horticultural Inspector 1 inspects plants, plant products, nurseries and greenhouses to determine viability of plants and presence of injurious insects and diseases;

makes recommendations on the eradication and control of any injurious insects or diseases detected during inspection, including issuing quarantines when necessary; inspects outgoing and incoming foreign and domestic shipments of plants at nurseries, greenhouses, plant dealers, private residences and other types of commercial establishments to ensure relevant State and federal regulations have been met; inspects seed, fertilizer, and agricultural liming materials to prevent the sale of inaccurately and improperly labeled products, removes mislabeled product from sale until it is brought into compliance;

completes various forms and reports; maintains records, equipment, and reference materials; assists with exotic pest surveys in plant growers and dealers and other types of establishments deemed at risk by state and federal authorities. The Horticultural Inspector 1 or Trainee assists in keeping trades people and the public aware of division activities and regulations during inspections, division exhibits, speaking engagements, and seminars;

attends industry meetings and serves on industry committees when requested.

The Horticultural Inspector 1 or Trainee is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday.

This position can be based out of your home and requires travel within an assigned region This position is perfect for a self-driven candidate who wants autonomy over their schedule, the ability to work from home, and enjoys working outside the office setting!

Salary:

The starting salary for the Horticultural Inspector Trainee 1 is $53,764/ year, and the hiring salary for the PEF salary grade (SG) 14. This position requires the completion of a two-year traineeship. After successful completion of the first year of the traineeship, the appointee will advance without further examination to the Trainee 2 level SG-16 (starting salary of $59,994/year). Completion of the second year of the traineeship will result in permanent advancement to the Horticultural Inspector 1, SG-18 (starting salary of $66,951/year) without further examination.

Candidates may be eligible for appointment directly to the Trainee 2 or full performance level. For more information, see Advanced Placement below.

The candidate appointed at the Horticultural Inspector 1, SG-18 level, will be eligible to participate in the New York State Performance Evaluation Program. Through this program, employees receive yearly performance evaluations. Performance advances are payable to PEF employees whose base annual salary is below the job rate for their current position and who were rated "Satisfactory" or its equivalent on their yearly performance evaluation.

Performance advance payments are added to an employee's annual salary. Over time, yearly performance advances may lead to the…