Ohio Department of Agriculture
Join us as a
Plant Health Inspector
at the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
No agriculture background required. You will learn about agriculture from top experts dedicated to a cleaner, safer Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture seeks candidates for a Plant Health Inspector in the Pest Control section located in Hancock, Seneca, Sandusky, Lucas, Wood, Crawford, Wyandot, Henry, Ottawa or Fulton counties.
In This Position You Will
Conduct inspections of nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and similar facilities for plant pests and diseases.
Enforce state and federal regulations on the sale, transport, and quarantine of nursery stock and plant materials.
Identify and manage invasive pests such as Gypsy Moth, Walnut Twig Beetle, and Asian Long Beetle.
Issue phytosanitary certificates for the international export of agricultural products.
Support growers and exporters in meeting foreign import requirements for agricultural goods.
Monitor for invasive species and coordinate emergency response and pest eradication efforts.
Assist with documentation and enforcement of quarantine rules for imported plant materials.
Conduct field surveys, assist with pest control programs, and mark trees for removal as part of pest suppression plans.
Respond to plant pest emergencies in coordination with federal agencies such as USDA and Homeland Security.
Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports; maintain manuals and licensing records; collect evidence for enforcement actions.
Collaborate with federal and state agencies to locate and prosecute violations of plant health regulations.
Present technical plant health information to external audiences and serve as a subject matter expert at hearings and proceedings.
This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non‑bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.
We Support Diversity And Inclusion ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of DEI principles and initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
Completion of undergraduate core coursework in an agricultural field (e.g., agronomy, biology, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, environmental science).
1 year of experience in an agricultural field commensurate with duties described in the approved position description.
3 months of experience operating a personal computer; valid driver’s license.
An equivalent combination of education and experience can supplement the qualifications above.
Agency Contact Paul.Hengstenberg@agri.ohio.gov
Location Primary: United States of America – Ohio – Hancock County
Other locations: Crawford, Wyandot, Henry, Wood, Seneca, Fulton, Sandusky, Ottawa, Lucas counties, United States of America – Ohio.
Compensation, Schedule, Union Compensation: $27.92 – $36.90
Schedule: Full‑time
Union: OCSEA
Agency Overview The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving natural resources, and supporting farmers. Food and agriculture are Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158 acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks bring coffee and lunch. You’ll find great coworkers who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.
Click the link below to see what it’s like to be an ODA Inspector! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MiEj1M-ibU
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full-time
Job Function Other
Industries Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Plant Health Inspector
at the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
No agriculture background required. You will learn about agriculture from top experts dedicated to a cleaner, safer Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture seeks candidates for a Plant Health Inspector in the Pest Control section located in Hancock, Seneca, Sandusky, Lucas, Wood, Crawford, Wyandot, Henry, Ottawa or Fulton counties.
In This Position You Will
Conduct inspections of nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and similar facilities for plant pests and diseases.
Enforce state and federal regulations on the sale, transport, and quarantine of nursery stock and plant materials.
Identify and manage invasive pests such as Gypsy Moth, Walnut Twig Beetle, and Asian Long Beetle.
Issue phytosanitary certificates for the international export of agricultural products.
Support growers and exporters in meeting foreign import requirements for agricultural goods.
Monitor for invasive species and coordinate emergency response and pest eradication efforts.
Assist with documentation and enforcement of quarantine rules for imported plant materials.
Conduct field surveys, assist with pest control programs, and mark trees for removal as part of pest suppression plans.
Respond to plant pest emergencies in coordination with federal agencies such as USDA and Homeland Security.
Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports; maintain manuals and licensing records; collect evidence for enforcement actions.
Collaborate with federal and state agencies to locate and prosecute violations of plant health regulations.
Present technical plant health information to external audiences and serve as a subject matter expert at hearings and proceedings.
This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non‑bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.
We Support Diversity And Inclusion ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of DEI principles and initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
Completion of undergraduate core coursework in an agricultural field (e.g., agronomy, biology, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, environmental science).
1 year of experience in an agricultural field commensurate with duties described in the approved position description.
3 months of experience operating a personal computer; valid driver’s license.
An equivalent combination of education and experience can supplement the qualifications above.
Agency Contact Paul.Hengstenberg@agri.ohio.gov
Location Primary: United States of America – Ohio – Hancock County
Other locations: Crawford, Wyandot, Henry, Wood, Seneca, Fulton, Sandusky, Ottawa, Lucas counties, United States of America – Ohio.
Compensation, Schedule, Union Compensation: $27.92 – $36.90
Schedule: Full‑time
Union: OCSEA
Agency Overview The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving natural resources, and supporting farmers. Food and agriculture are Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158 acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks bring coffee and lunch. You’ll find great coworkers who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.
Click the link below to see what it’s like to be an ODA Inspector! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MiEj1M-ibU
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full-time
Job Function Other
Industries Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr