Job DescriptionINSPECTOR - AGRICULTURAL PEST Salary Information:B19, $4,150.00/MO. State Classification:Inspector II - 1322
FLSA Status:Nonexempt
Posting Number:24-60216-1R
Location:Region 4 - Blanco, Burnet, Gillespie, Hays, Llano or Travis CountyHOW TO APPLYApply online via
CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit:
WHO ARE WE The Texas Department of Agriculture's key objectives are to promote production agriculture, consumer protection, economic development and healthy living.As an Agricultural Pest Inspector your responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- conducting compliance inspections of pesticide dealers' records of pesticide distribution;
- conducting compliance inspections of licensed applicators use records;
- conducting pesticide use observations;
- Involves interviewing witnesses, collecting and submitting samples, taking photographs, inspecting various structures, sites, and surrounding environs to assess for plant disease, insects, and pesticide use and/or damage;
- conducting compliance inspections of dealer/marketplace facilities;
- Inspecting pesticide dealer marketplaces, pesticides dealers, commercial and noncommercial applicator and businesses pesticide storage, issuing stop use, stop distribution and removal order (SUSDROs) for pesticides determined to be in violation.
WHAT YOU'LL DOAs an Agricultural Pesticide Inspector, you will perform moderately complex regulatory inspection work for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to contribute to the enforcement of structural pest control and agricultural laws and regulations for consumer protection in the State of Texas. You will assist in completing case preparations and may testify on hearings on violations of Consumer Protection laws. You will work under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.This is an entry-level position with increasing responsibilities as training progresses. Newly hired inspectors are required to complete trainings on different types of inspections which will assist them in learning regulations, operating procedures, and other job responsibilities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESPerform entry level agricultural pesticide inspections on pesticide dealers and applicators and complete accurate and detailed reports to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.Respond to and investigate agricultural pesticide complaints involving allegations of noncompliance with the Agriculture Code and their respective rules and complete case investigation reports with data integrity and properly gather and document data and records of violations to include interviewing witnesses and collecting and submitting samples.Audit sales records, issue Stop Sales, notice of seizures, rejection notices, and collect and remit licensing and late fees for violations. Complete travel vouchers and mileage reports; complete various weekly and end-of-month reports.Coordinate and ensure that the Regional Director and Assistant Regional Director are kept informed of all issues related to the inspectionsRepresent the agency in a positive manner when dealing with constituents.Train on and become proficient in the use of Performing Inspections, Enforcement and Recruitment (PIER), Bringing ResourceIntegration and Data Together for Greater Efficiency (BRIDGE) and business intelligence reports.Follow all TDA policies and procedures.Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITIONBachelor's degree.This position must reside in
Blanco, Burnet, Gillespie, Hays, Llano or Travis County. Valid Texas driver's license and an acceptable driving record.Substitution: A high school diploma and two years full-time work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for a degree.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESKnowledge of laws, codes, standards, and regulations related to the area of responsibility; of the principles and methods of field inspection and quality control; and of business practices in regulated occupations and industries.Skill in conducting inspections; in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; in determining proper courses of action; in using instruments or tools necessary to perform inspections; in using a computer and applicable programs and databases, and in maintaining records and written reports. Ability to prepare reports; to interpret laws and regulations; to gather and analyze data; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; interact effectively with co-workers, supervisors and the public; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONSInvolves working outdoors and exposure to extremes in temperatures (including high-low temperature changes and variable climatic conditions such as rain, fog, dust, fumes, gases, and odors). Involves extensive moving and remaining stationary; walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; safely lifting and/or carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds; operating heavy equipment/machinery; safely handling hazardous and/or flammable materials; and exposure to dust. Involves safely operating a state vehicle and driving for long distances; working extended hours, some evenings, weekends, and holidays. May involve travel, up to
50% of the work period, and some occasionally overnight. TDA will provide this position with a uniform and safety equipment, as is required for the position.
BENEFITSThe State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:Retirement PlanPaid Group Health & Basic Life Insurance for employees Paid HolidaysPaid Vacation LeavePaid Sick LeaveLongevity PayDentalVisionDependent Optional Life InsuranceVoluntary AD&D InsuranceDependent Health & Life InsuranceHealth & Dependent care flexible spending accountsA skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes. Only candidates selected for a skills exercise/interview will be contacted.
Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls.If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.A valid government-issued driver's license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver's license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) ###-####. TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the military and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) ###-#### for assistance.Go to or for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor's Office at Compliance, Inspection and Investigation MOS Codes.