Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 - 73031

Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1

$20.83/Hour

Division of Plant Industry

Suffolk County, NY

Posting Dates: July 6, 2026 - July 16, 2026

Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets!   Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the chance to join our team, and you’ll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.

Position Information:

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking candidates to fill one Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 position in Suffolk County. The Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 assists in performing visual surveys of plants for the presence of pests to identify plant diseases and insects; collects samples of leaves, seeds or other agricultural commodities;  deploys traps and lures in support of various surveys under established protocols and direction; labels and packs samples for submission to the laboratory for analysis; accurately records survey data and information; assists in data entry of survey information, crop history, dates of survey, field size, treatments and lab results; properly maps properties, trees, and species and where they are located to detect, eradicate or control plant pests in an assigned geographic area; reports quantity and disposition of samples to their supervisor and/or program manager; and cleans and maintains survey equipment.

The Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 earns $20.83/hour and provides part-time hours working 20 hours per week, Monday-Friday. These positions are temporary and seasonal, with regular renewals from season to season based on program needs. The two seasons run from April 1 through November 30 and December 1 through March 31. The duties of the position require walking and standing outside in all weather conditions. Overnight travel may be required.

These opportunities are perfect for a self-driven candidate who wants autonomy over their schedule and enjoys working outside the office setting! 

Benefits:

This is a PEF-represented position offering a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. You'll benefit from cost-effective health insurance options, fully covered dental and vision care, participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan, and ample paid time off. Your first year includes 5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays – providing excellent work-life balance. Explore additional advantages with programs such as the Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY's 529 College Savings Program. For comprehensive details on these programs, please visit the New York State Office of Employee Relations website.

As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer. 

Minimum Qualifications:

You may be eligible for appointment to this position if you meet any of the following minimum qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications: You must have thirty college credits, in any subject.

Preferred Qualifications: Thirty college credits in horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, botany, entomology, environmental studies/plant science, or a biological science primarily related to the scientific study of plants.

Travel Requirements:

These positions require extensive travel. Appointees must either possess at the time of appointment and continuously thereafter a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State and have access to a motor vehicle when necessary or otherwise demonstrate their capacity to meet the regular transportation requirements in carrying out their field work responsibilities.

How to Apply:

Candidates that are eligible and interested in being considered for appointment to one of these opportunities must use this link to apply by: July 16, 2026. Within this online application please upload your resume, transcript, and cover letter.

If you have any questions, please contact Laura DeBraccio in Human Resources at (518) 457-3216 or [email protected].

The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity, and reasonable accommodations and/or modifications as necessary, for qualified persons with disabilities.  If you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please visit: https://agriculture.ny.gov/employment-information.

Additional Position Information:

Division:                            Plant Industry        

Negotiating Unit:              PEF

Location:                          Suffolk County

Number of Vacancies:     One

  Status of Vacancy:           Part-time; Temporary, Seasonal

Hours Per Week:              20 Hours

Jurisdictional Class:       Non-Competitive

Civil Service List(s):        No Eligible List Exists