State Survey Coordinator

State of North Carolina • Wake County, NC

13h

About The Position

The State Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Coordinator evaluates agricultural risk, develops corresponding survey plans, implements statewide or localized surveys, and collects and submits data on exotic plant pests, pests of export significance, and pests not known to occur in the United States. The position supervises and trains temporary staff as needed and conducts pathway analysis to direct field staff and other full-time staff to sensitive areas where suspected exotic pests are most likely to be present.

The coordinator secures and manages employment and survey funding through multiple USDA-APHIS-PPQ Cooperative Agreements. The position also develops and delivers targeted outreach to cooperators and the general public about early detection and emerging plant pests, and works extensively with USDA-APHIS-PPQ to implement program components statewide.

This is a time-limited full-time position contingent on renewal of federal funding. The stated renewal date is July 1, 2027. The recruitment salary range is $52,592–$60,000; an offer may be below the range maximum based on salary equity or the selected candidate’s education and experience.

Requirements

• Master's degree in horticulture, crop science, weed science, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with field staff, the State CAPS Committee, USDA-APHIS, PPQ and other federal personnel, state agencies, universities, and commodity groups.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to plant pests and pest management.
• Ability to develop effective outreach materials and present information to a wide variety of audiences, including citizens, industry groups, field staff, and state and national regulatory agencies.
• Considerable knowledge of principles of entomology, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture, or crop science.
• General understanding of mobile technology and use of apps.
• Background knowledge of mapping software.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate agricultural risk and develop corresponding survey plans.
• Implement statewide or localized surveys for exotic plant pests, pests of export significance, and pests not known to occur in the United States.
• Collect and submit survey data.
• Supervise and train temporary staff as needed to conduct surveys.
• Conduct pathway analysis and direct field staff and other full-time staff to sensitive areas where suspected exotic pests are most likely to be present.
• Secure and manage employment and survey funding through multiple USDA-APHIS-PPQ Cooperative Agreements.
• Conduct targeted outreach to cooperators and the general public on early detection and awareness of emerging plant pests.
• Work with USDA-APHIS-PPQ to implement program components statewide.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time