Agriculture Inspector 1- Plant Protection Field

We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership. 

·         The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture both locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

·         The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

THIS POSITION IS ASSIGNED TO THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES (THE APPLICANT MUST RESIDE IN ONE OF THE COUNTIES LISTED OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE):

This position is assigned to the following counties:

·         ATKINSON

·         BERRIEN

·         BROOKS

·         CLINCH

·         COFFEE

·         ECHOLS

·         LANIER

·         LOWNDES

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

·         This position is located in a major commercial beekeeping area.

·         At least 50% of the incumbent’s time will involve apiary inspections.

Under direct supervision, learns to inspect agricultural commodities: 

·         Inspects live plant growers and dealers (sod farms, nurseries, tree farms, etc.) to ensure compliance with state regulations and proper maintenance of plants.

·         Verifies compliance with Department-issued agreements and certifications for interstate and international export of plants, fruits, vegetables, etc.

·         Perform state and federal phytosanitary certification inspections as requested.

·         Monitors crops and/or environs for specific agricultural pests.

·         Incumbents must be able to lift 50lb boxes (hive bodies).

·         Plant Protection Program inspections will be performed in varied weather conditions and terrain, including commercial apiaries, plant nurseries, greenhouses, and agricultural production areas for extended periods. 

·         Intermittent periods of walking, squatting, kneeling, and driving.

·         This job requires travel.

·         May be responsible for providing transportation to work sites. 

Job Summary:

·         Inspects live plant growers and dealers (sod farms, nurseries, tree farms, etc.) to ensure compliance with state regulations and proper maintenance of plants. 

·         Verifies compliance with Department-issued agreements and certifications for interstate and international export of plants, fruits, vegetables, etc.

·         Performs state and federal phytosanitary certification inspections as requested

·         Performs apiary (bee) inspections as requested

·         Monitors crops and/or environs for specific agricultural pests

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• • Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, biological sciences, or a directly related field OR Ownership or management experience in an agricultural or horticultural business. 
  • Working knowledge of Windows computer operating system and applications.

Physical Demands:

1.    Incumbents in this job must work outdoors in varied terrain, including plant nurseries, greenhouses, agricultural production areas, and apiaries, for extended periods. 

2.    Intermittent periods of walking, squatting, kneeling, and driving.

3.    Must be able to lift 50lb boxes.

4.    This job requires travel. May be responsible for providing transportation to work sites. 

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates.  The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory results of employment verification, background and criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY:  Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers.

·         Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided.  Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process.  Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified **