INSPECTOR PLANT INDUSTRY
Inspector Plant Industry sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It asks for 1 year of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $45,874 to $66,294, and state payroll currently lists 6 people in the title, most of them at Agriculture.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Inspector Plant Industry appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Agriculture.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture | 6 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 6 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $56,160. The agencies employing the most are:
- Agriculture (6)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the limited supervision of a supervisory official in the Division of Plant Industry, Department of Agriculture, performs field work of average difficulty related to plant pest (insect and disease) control programs; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Inspects forest, ornamental, and agricultural crops to determine the presence and extent of plant pests and diseases using recommended inspection procedures. Conducts inspections; reports on the findings of plant pest problems as indicated by farmers and others to provide a basis for pest control recommendations. Conducts seasonal surveys of plant pests and diseases injurious to farm crops, forests, and nursery and ornamental plantings to monitor pest populations; uses recommended survey procedures, maps, and equipment. Assists county and local government officials and monitors approved vendors in plant pest and disease suppression or eradication programs to reduce pest populations using ground or aerial pesticide application equipment. Enforces the laws, rules, and regulations governing quarantined or regulated plants; inspects and recommends the movement of quarantined or regulated plants and/or plant products into, out of, or within the state to protect the agricultural industry. Performs field work involving the collection of specimens to make accurate pest identification and appropriate control recommendations. Services the needs of county and local shade tree commissions, or their equivalents, to diagnose shade tree pests. Prepares written reports of inspections, collections, surveys, and pest control activities to provide a basis for supervisory decisions. Establishes and maintains essential records and files. Will required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
One (1) year of experience in plant pest inspection and the review of plant pest control work.
License
Appointees may be required to obtain a license as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection within one year of appointment. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the types of forest, ornamental, and agricultural crops grown in the Northeastern United States. Knowledge of the most common plant pests and diseases indigenous to the Northeastern United States' forest, ornamental, and agricultural crops. Knowledge of the methods used to conduct field inspections and surveys. Knowledge of pesticide application methods and equipment. Knowledge of the safety procedures used in pesticide application. Knowledge of the methods used to collect and maintain specimens. Knowledge of quarantined and regulated plants and pests. Ability to read and interpret maps and compasses and take field measurements. Ability to make mathematical calculations. Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations and apply and enforce them in specific situations. Ability to inspect and identify plants and plant pests. Ability to conduct field work and inspections. Ability to learn quickly from oral and written instructions and from demonstrations. Ability to work independently and with others in a courteous and cooperative manner. Ability to prepare reports. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.