Plant Pest Survey Technician
The Department of Agricultural Resources is seeking applicants to fill a temporary position (May-October, 2013) as Plant Pest Survey Technician.
The Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Program, through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, provides survey and outreach efforts for introduced plant pests, pathogens and weeds of concern to the state of Massachusetts.
The incumbent will play an important role in exotic pest detection in Massachusetts. Primarily, the incumbent will be responsible for installing and servicing insect traps in the field, and sampling plant material to be tested for plant diseases.
This position will require working in a variety of environments including orchards, fields, groves, storage sites, nurseries, industrial sites, forests, ports of entry, etc.
Incumbent will be responsible for collecting insect and plant specimens and recording data. Some data collection will require the use of GPS, PDAs and data management systems. Work will require extensive travel in Massachusetts. Incumbent will work independently and as part of a team.
Qualifications:
Knowledge of insect and plant taxonomy.
Previous experience with insect and/or plant surveys.
Knowledge of technology including GPS, spreadsheet and database software, and data collection using PDAs
This is a full-time, temporary position. Maxium hours per week is 37.5
Applicants must have experience performing the duties described below or have completed coursework above high school that includes scientific or technical courses such as biology, entomology, ecology, botany, agriculture, etc.
Applicants must have experience with spreadsheet and database entry, and familiarity with GPS and mapping technology.
Applicants must have a valid US driver’s license and his/her own vehicle, and be prepared to spend an extensive amount of time in the field. There is a mileage reimbursement for travel. Compensation, $14-$16 per/hr.
Please send cover letter, resume and employment application to:
Mary Beth Burnand Human Resources Manager 251 Causeway Street, Suite 500 Boston, MA 02114-2151
Application Deadline: 4/30/13
Please include job posting id (J35258) on all applications.
No faxes or email please.
Incomplete application packages may not be accepted and all materials must be received by 5:00 PM on the deadline date in order to be considered
The employment application may be found at www.mass.gov/agr
The State of Massachusetts is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
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