Job Description

Position Summary & Responsibilities: This position will remain posted until filled. Candidates must be located in or around the following Kansas counties: Wyandotte or Johnson County, Kansas. The Kansas Department of Agriculture is seeking a dedicated public servant to serve as the Northeast Plant Protection Specialist in the Plant Protection and Weed Control program. Responsibilities of the position include: Inspect plants, plant products and agricultural seed for exporters of plants and plant products, live plant dealers and seed dealers to ensure compliance with statutes and other regulatory requirements. Communicate with clients, provide direction for mitigation of pests or other non-compliance concerns as needed, and issue necessary documentation. Conduct surveys for plant pests and perform other pest detection activities in dealer facilities, production fields and other high risk locations. Collect, evaluate and report on distribution of pests. Initiate appropriate enforcement actions for live plant dealers, seed dealers and other clients when violations of applicable statutes and/or other regulations are encountered. Provide program and/or enforcement support to associated government agencies. Occasional overnight travel is required. Maintain records of inspection and pest detection activities through program database. Utilize GPS tracking systems. Work in variable weather and site conditions, traverse non-uniform terrain and operate an ATV/UTV for certain field inspections. Activities may occasionally require working from heights or in confined spaces. Complete work with minimal daily supervision, utilize regular independent judgment and discretion to accomplish assigned duties, maintain a high level of technical expertise through continuing education, work independently in the field and develop creative solutions when the need arises. Qualifications:

• A Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in a biological science such as agronomy, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, etc., is required.
• Ability to obtain certification with USDA-APHIS-PPQ to complete export commodity certification inspections and issue federal export certification documents
• Valid Kansas Driver\'s License

Job Type: Full-time Pay: $49,500.00 per year Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Work Location: On the road