Pesticide Ag Inspector Specialist
State of Nebraska

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Agriculture - Agency 18

Location:
Statewide, NE, Telecommuting Employee (no definite city)

Hiring Rate:
$20.024

Job Posting:
JR2025-00012479 Pesticide Ag Inspector Specialist (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
01-21-2025

Job Description:
This position will serves the North/North Central Counties in Nebraska: Antelope, Burt, Cedar, Colfax, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Dodge, Garfield, Holt, Knox, Madison, Merrick, Nance, Pierce, Platte, Stanton, Thurston, Wayne, Wheeler.

This position will be understaffed at the Ag Inspection Specialist I classification, with the expectation of becoming an Ag Inspection Specialist II. Level I Inspection Specialists must complete required additional training and certifications within the first year of employment. Should these requirements not be met, work status and requirements will be assessed at that time.

Starting Pay for Ag Inspection Specialist I is $17.327 per hour.

Ag Inspection Specialist II starting pay is $20.024 per hour.

This will involve frequent travel within the assigned work region with the possibility of overnight stays associated with that travel. The successful candidate will be required to work from a home office. Initial training will take place in Lincoln for one week, followed by field training in the assigned area.

This position assures that compliance of the Nebraska Pesticide Act and Regulations, the Nebraska Commercial Fertilizer and Soil Conditioner Act, The Agricultural Liming Materials Act, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), is properly administered and enforced in order to protect persons and environment.

There are specific requirements linked to the use or application of pesticides (insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides), fertilizers and liming materials. The public is protected by inspectors who are assuring pesticide applicators are trained and competent through mandatory education tied to professional certification, that pesticides are properly used and disposed, and that pesticides sold in the marketplace are properly labeled and stored.

Look at what we have to offer!

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

Job duties

Conduct routine pesticide dealer, marketplace, applicator, and producer establishment inspections. Conduct complaint investigations of allegedly misused pesticides. Conduct surveillance of pesticide users, applicators or dealers. Write detailed reports for routine state and federal inspections and complaint investigations. Collect samples of biological materials and pesticide formulations for laboratory analysis. Conduct and monitor pesticide applicator licensing testing and certification sessions. Collect fertilizer and agricultural lime samples for quality assurance and consumer protection.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Agriculture Inspection Specialist I: Two years' experience working in a relevant discipline.

Agriculture Inspection Specialist II: Post high school coursework/training in agriculture, plant/animal or natural sciences, or other program related field OR a vocation certificate in electrical, mechanical, engineering or other program related field. AND Two years' experience working in a relevant discipline.

Preferred Qualifications: Post high school coursework/training in the following areas: agriculture, biological sciences (agronomy, horticulture, chemistry, environmental studies, pesticide technologies) or other program related field; experience in conducting regulatory inspections.

Other: This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver's license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and reliable attendance is required.


Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.