INSPECTOR – PESTICIDES

Salary Information: B13, $4,150.00/MO.

State Classification: 1322 – Inspector II

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Posting Number: 26-67211-2R

HOW TO APPLY

Apply 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 DO

As a 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 in 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. Employees at this level may rely on direction from others to solve problems that are not standard and routinely assist other inspectors at higher levels performing work at greater complexity to learn about the inspection process.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform entry level pesticide inspections and complete accurate and detailed reports to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Respond to and investigate agricultural pesticide and structural pesticide control service 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 and issue Stop Sales.

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 inspections.

Represent 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 Resource Integration and Data Together for Greater Efficiency (BRIDGE) and business intelligence reports.

Bachelor’s degree.

This position must reside in Austin or Colorado County (this position will be assigned to work in Austin, Colorado, Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Victoria Counties).

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 & ABILITIES

Knowledge 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 CONDITIONS

Requires 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); extensive moving and remaining stationary; walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds; operating heavy equipment/machinery; safely handling hazardous and/or flammable materials; exposure to live insects and animals; and exposure to dust. Involves safely operating a state vehicle and driving for long distances; working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed; and daily and overnight travel (up to 50%**). Requires wearing protective clothing and safety equipment, including a half-face respirator when necessary.

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work.

The agency’s core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

BENEFITS

The 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:

• 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

Background Checks: A criminal conviction records check is required for applicants who are selected for a position.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): TDA is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity.

Reasonable Accommodations: If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview or an HR representative at 512-463-7423. Whenever possible, please give the hiring or HR representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

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 veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance in 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.