Plant Health Inspector

What You’ll Do:

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.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture is currently seeking candidates for a Plant Health Inspector, Plant Health Division, in the Pest Control section headquartered in Hancock, Seneca, Sandusky, Lucas, Wood, Crawford, Wyandot, Henry, Ottawa or Fulton county

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 like 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. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• 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)

• Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of undergraduate core coursework in agricultural field (e.g., agronomy, biology, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, environmental science);
• 1 yr. exp. in agricultural field commensurate with duties to be performed as described on the approved position description on file;
• 3 mos. exp. in operation of personal computer; valid driver’s license.

*An equivalent combination of education and experience can supplemental the qualifications above*

If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.



Unusual Working Conditions :

Works outside exposed to varying weather conditions; exposed to machinery, dirt and dust, animal filth; climbs heights of up to 130 feet; exposed to insects and subject to insect stings, ticks and poison ivy; requires overnight travel; exposed to seed treatment and insecticides.

Training and Development Required to Remain in the Classification After Employment :

Must obtain federal credentials commensurate with program area to be assigned as per approved position description on file (e.g., USEPA, FIFRA, FDA, USDA ACO). AND for positions assigned to Grain, Feed, and Seed program: must master Exam Hand Ohio software program and other associated computer applications.

For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact :
Paul Hengstenberg
Paul [email protected]

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). All final applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to appointments. Testing will also be performed for the presence of marijuana. An applicant with a positive test shall not be offered employment unless the applicant submits medical documentation of legally prescribed medications or a recommendation for medical marijuana.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.