Insect Detection Specialist -Agriculture, Weights, and Measures-AWM

Overview

Excellent Entry Level Opportunity Performing Scientific Field Activities — INSECT DETECTION SPECIALIST I, County of San Diego, Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures. Interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis. This position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $39,582.40 annually. County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5.

Future salary increases:
June 2026 – 6.70% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 3.20% Market Adjustment);
June 2027 – 6.20% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 3.20% Market Adjustment).

Insect Detection Specialists perform detection, trapping, field identification, control work on agricultural pests and laboratory support work leading to the detection and control of insects and other agricultural pests.

• Six (6) months of experience in the areas of vertebrate, insect, plant disease or weed detection and/or identification in a nursery, horticulture or agricultural setting; OR
• Completion of at least nine (9) units of college level course work in biology, botany, entomology, or a closely related science

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

May be subject to occasional overtime and weekend work. May be subject to driving work trucks approximately 60-125 miles daily, and occasional walking up/down hills or slopes. May be subject to exposure to extremes in temperature, humidity or wetness, and small amounts of pesticides daily. May be subject to exposure to chemicals. May perform duties in conjunction with a detection dog team.

Incumbents are required to work in outdoor and laboratory settings.

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Note:

Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.

The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. The County provides resources to support veterans, including Veteran’s Preference Policy and Military Skills Translator. The Strategic Plan outlines a vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all, with values such as integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence and sustainability.