Insect Detection Specialist II

INSECT DETECTION SPECIALIST II

Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis.

• June 2026 – 4.67% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 1.17% Market Adjustment)
• June 2027 – 4.17% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 1.17% Market Adjustment)

If working independently outdoors and having an interest in plants, insects or horticulture, this might be your ideal job!

The mission of Agriculture, Weights and Measures is to enhance public health and safety, ensure food security, facilitate agricultural trade, foster consumer confidence, and promote a sustainable environment in the San Diego region. It aims to unite educational and research resources to assist individuals, families, businesses, and communities in tackling issues related to agriculture, the environment, horticulture, and public health.

Insect Detection Specialists II are tasked with conducting detection, trapping, field identification, and management of agricultural pests. They operate under general supervision and independently carry out a range of field and laboratory support tasks, in addition to training junior Insect Detection Specialists.

• Job Offer and Background Process begins after interviews.
  
  Note:
  
  Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening:
  Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated
  
  Start Date:
  
  Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

Should you not be chosen for this interview process, there may be chances to apply for upcoming openings.

• One (1) year of experience in the areas of vertebrate, insect, plant disease or weed detection and/or identification in a nursery, horticulture or agricultural setting; OR
• Completion of at least eighteen (18) units of college level course work from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in biology, botany, entomology, or a closely related science; OR
• Six (6) months of experience as an Insect Detection Specialist I in the County of San Diego, or equivalent pest detection experience with other counties or California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Should you be seeking to qualify under Minimum Qualification #2, you are required to attach copies of your college documents—this includes your diploma, complete official or unofficial transcripts, foreign equivalency certificate, or a letter of verification—during the first step of the application submission process on our website.

May be subject to occasional overtime and weekend work. May be subject to driving work trucks approximately 60-125 miles daily, and occasional walking up/down hills or slopes. May be subject to exposure to extremes in temperature, humidity or wetness, and small amounts of pesticides daily. May be subject to exposure to chemicals. May perform duties in conjunction with a detection dog team.

Incumbents are required to work in outdoor and laboratory settings.

The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental applications.

Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

The County of San Diego is an employer of over 19,000 employees and is committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. The County offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers.

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