Public Health Scientist - Assistant Entomologist

DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

The Mission of our Agency is to protect the health and safety of Arizona consumers, advance and support Arizona agriculture, and safeguard commerce.

Supporting farming, ranching and agribusiness in Arizona by protecting plants and animals, issuing agriculture and environmental licenses, inspecting farming practices and overseeing commerce standards and measurement devices.

Assistant Entomologist

Job Location:

Address:
Office of Plant Services / Entomology Department

1110 W. Washington Street, #450, Phoenix AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: 27.14 - 27.14

Grade: 20

Closing Date: 03/10/2026

Job Summary:

* REPOST
* The Arizona Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an Assistant Entomologist (Public Health Scientist) for the Office of Plant Services. The duty post for this position is located at 1110 W. Washington Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona.

The Department of Agriculture's, Plant Services Section, safeguards agriculture, food and the environment from the risks associated with the entry, establishment and spread of plant pests, diseases and noxious weeds thereby promoting agricultural sustainability, market access and competitiveness.

Using state-of-the-art technical equipment, including performance graphics-enabled computers, high resolution digital cameras, compound and dissection microscopes, and complex scientific literature, the position of Assistant Entomologist is primarily responsible for the correct determination of insect and other arthropod samples submitted to the Entomology Section from the division's survey, inspection, and regulatory branches. Another important focus of the position is to work with the Entomologist and advise the division's Associate Director on scientific matters as they pertain to pest biology and economic impact.

Additionally, the position is charged with assisting in maintaining both a digital and printed reference library as well as assisting in the development and maintenance of digital and actual pest reference collection and training materials needed for comparative determinations.

Job Duties:

Job duties to include but limited to:

* Correct and timely screening, identification, and risk assessment of samples submitted to the section from the division's survey, inspection, and regulatory branches. These analyses and determinations are integral to EPSD's ability to safeguard the state's agriculture and horticultural industries, food production, and the environment from the establishment and spread of harmful plant pests, while promoting agricultural sustainability and market access in a national and global context.

* Assist in developing pest  materials for the division's regulatory inspectors so they can carry out their assigned duties more effectively.

* Research and study technical scientific reports regarding pest biology and the agricultural impact looking into emerging potential emerging pest pressures.

* Assist the Entomologist in the development of outreach material for stakeholders, customers, and the general public to be used on the agencies expanding social media and public representation.

* Driving a State vehicle as needed to carry out assigned duties including inspection and survey projects, training programs, and participation in regional conferences and seminars.

* Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Knowledge of science and scientific procedures, entomology, invertebrate systematics, biology, and evolution; invertebrate pest epidemiology; advanced microscope, computer, and digital imaging systems; of Federal and State regulations and quarantines, principles and practices.

SKILLS IN:

Skills in verbal and written communication and report production; developing and using advanced computer databases, spreadsheets, and other office and/or scientifically related software and hardware; effective instructional techniques and procedures; in preparing samples for analysis; operating, maintaining, and calibrating specialized microscope and digital imaging systems; in efficient workload organization.

ABILITY TO:

Ability to establish and maintain an effective and productive working relationship with…