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NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

Horticultural Inspector 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS)

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York, New York, us, 10261

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Horticultural Inspector 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS) Agency:

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

Location:

Erie County, NY

Posting Dates:

January 2, 2026 – January 12, 2026

Position Information Job Title:

Horticultural Inspector 1 or Trainee

Hours:

40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, full‑time

Travel:

Travel within assigned region; home‑based option available

Responsibilities

Inspect plants, nurseries, and greenhouses for injurious insects and plant diseases

Recommend control and eradication measures; ensure compliance with state and federal regulations on the sale and transport of plants

Engage the public and industry tradespeople to raise awareness of division and regulations

Attend industry meetings and serve on industry committees when requested

Support division staff on survey data collection using GIS applications; provide analytical reports of survey data to assess pest risk and improve pest detection activities

Provide technical support of the division’s communication applications and systems; assist management on mobile data collection devices to improve field operations

Qualifications Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree with 24 semester credit hours in related fields such as horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, botany, entomology, environmental studies, or biological science focused on plant study and pests.

Alternative Experience:

Satisfactory experience in horticulture may substitute up to 60 college credits (one year of experience equals 30 semester credit hours).

Additional Experience for Placement:

One year of experience in horticulture production, plant pest management, landscape installation and maintenance, cooperative extension education, or fruit/vegetable farm products inspection may lead to appointment to Trainee 2; two years may lead to appointment to Inspector 1.

Other Requirements:

Valid driver’s license; ability to travel; proficiency in data management and GIS applications preferred.

Salary Starting salary for Trainee 1: $53,764 per year (Grade 14). After successful completion of the first year, progression to Trainee 2 (Grade 16, $59,994) and thereafter to Inspector 1 (Grade 18, $66,951). Continuous advancement may lead to higher salaries.

Benefits Full range of New York State employee benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage; NYS pension plan; paid parental leave; paid time off; eligibility for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

How to Apply Submit application by January 12, 2026. Please upload resume, transcript, and cover letter using the online application link.

Equal Employment Opportunity The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are provided as needed.

NY HELPS Program This position is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program. Appointment may be filled via a non‑competitive appointment; conversion to competitive status will occur within one year.

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