Survey Technician (Project)

State of Ohio • Bethel, OH

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is seeking qualified candidates to join the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) program as a Survey Technician. This role involves inspecting trees for signs of the Asian longhorned beetle and assisting Plant Health Inspectors with various program activities. The position offers training in surveying host trees and tree identification, and the opportunity to contribute to protecting Ohio's natural resources. The ODA campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158 acres, with free parking and food trucks available. The agency is dedicated to safeguarding plants and animals, conserving natural resources, and supporting farmers, ensuring the safety of food and agricultural products for all Ohioans.

Requirements

• 3 months training or 3 months experience in field survey AND Must be able to provide own transportation.
• OR 1 course or 3 months experience in geometry; 1 course or 3 months experience in trigonometry AND Must be able to provide own transportation.
• OR Equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
• The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio.

Responsibilities

• Inspects trees for signs of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) & assists Plant Health Inspectors in different work units of the program (i.e. contract survey, regulatory, outreach, quality assurance, data management, etc.)
• Receives training in surveying host trees & tree identification
• Uses proper tools (i.e. binoculars, spotting scope) for tree inspections
• Completes data entry for all tree inspections & records & operates data collection devices by using maps & Global Information System (GIS) for later data analysis
• Maintains & secures all state issued property (e.g., equipment, maps, forms, data)
• Sets up survey locations & establishes scheduled itinerary in accordance with department guidelines
• Gains access to private properties for inspections
• Assists Plant Health Inspectors with monitoring contractors during tree survey & performing quality control checks on data collection & tree inspections
• Operates laptop computer & related software & prepares email to send various survey information
• Administers tree identification & ALB damage tests for contracting staff
• Places traps & inspects for box tree moth (BTM) & other plant pests
• Responds to reports of alleged sightings of ALB & other plant pest
• Assists inspectors & management with pesticide treatment application, maintenance of survey equipment, cleaning & servicing state vehicles
• Receives training, assists with, & participates in other plant pest programs as assigned

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
• Maternity Benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed