TDA - Inspector - Biosecurity Enforcement​/Road Stations

TDA - Inspector - Biosecurity Enforcement/Road Stations (72198)

Join to apply for the TDA - Inspector - Biosecurity Enforcement/Road Stations (72198) role at Texas Department of Agriculture
.

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position.

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s key objectives are to promote production agriculture, consumer protection, economic development, and healthy living. Our agency operates agricultural inspection stations strategically located throughout the state which aim to protect agriculture and ensure a safe food supply in the state of Texas. The main purpose of our inspectors is to prevent plant pests and diseases and unsafe food from entering Texas.

Perform entry‑level inspection work for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Biosecurity Enforcement and Road Stations program. Train on and become proficient in accurately conducting road station, destination, and market blitz agricultural inspections administered by TDA to contribute to the enforcement of agriculture laws and regulations for consumer protection in the State of Texas.

• Inspect agricultural shipments at road station inspection locations for pests and diseases, enforce quarantine requirements.
• Conduct destination and market blitz inspections at nurseries and other locations receiving potentially threatening quarantine host articles or species.
• Inspect produce, nursery plants, trees, shrubs and other agricultural products for disease and insects.
• Collect biological samples, when required.
• Collect and remit fees to include licensing and late fees; issue stop‑sales, notices of seizure, findings reports, enforcement actions and collect samples.
• Complete accurate, detailed reports related to inspections, travel vouchers, and mileage reports; complete various daily, weekly, and end‑of‑month reports; and prepare a variety of required correspondence.
• Become proficient in operating and maintaining inspection station equipment, including mobile data collection devices and surveillance systems.
• Respond to potential pest or disease alerts following incident response protocols throughout the state, which constitutes on‑call status or when activated by the Administrator for Biosecurity Enforcement and Road Stations, Deputy Director, or Chief of Staff.
• Train on and become proficient in the use of Performing Inspections, Enforcement and Recruitment (PIER), Bringing Resource Integration and Data Together for Greater Efficiency (BRIDGE) and business intelligence reports.
• Represent the agency in a positive manner when dealing with constituents.
• Follow all TDA policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
• Work experience conducting inspections of pests, crops, soil, food products, animals, or related area.
• Primary work locations will cover central Texas (surrounding the Seguin area); requires travel across the state to mobile biosecurity enforcement locations.
• Required to work shifts outside of normal business hours including night and weekend shifts and being on‑call.
• Valid Texas driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

• Knowledge of laws, codes, standards, and regulations related to area of responsibility; principles and methods of field inspection and quality control; and business practices in regulated occupations and industries.
• Skill in conducting inspections; providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; determining proper courses of action; using instruments or tools necessary to perform inspections; using applicable computer programs and databases; maintaining records and written reports.
• Ability to prepare reports, gather and analyze data; plan, organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

Involves working outdoors and exposure…