NJ Civil Service Navigator

SENIOR INSPECTOR PLANT INDUSTRY

Code: 02402 State Competitive Range: I15 (FY 2027) Work week NE: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)
Salary: $50,059.28 - $72,549.68/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

To land Senior Inspector Plant Industry in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.

The one gate is 2 years of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $50,059 and $72,550, and state payroll lists a single employee in the title, 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.

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Who employs this title

Senior Inspector Plant Industry appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Agriculture.

State departments

Employer Employees
Department of Agriculture 1

All agencies.

State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.

Who employs this title

State payroll records show 1 person working under this title. The median actual salary is $70,096. The agencies employing the most are:

  • Agriculture (1)

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 general supervision of a supervisory official in the Division of Plant Industry, Department of Agriculture, performs field work of considerable difficulty related to plant pest (insect and disease) control programs, and may take the lead over lower-level inspectors plant industry and provide guidance and instructions; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Inspects forest, ornamental, and agricultural crops to determine the presence, extent, and cyclic population trends 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; makes recommendations. Coordinates and 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 takes the lead in monitoring 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. Organizes and assigns the field work of lower-level inspectors plant industry. May provide guidance and instructions to lower-level inspectors plant industry. Acts as liaison between the Division of Plant Industry and local and/or county government officials in matters of cooperative pest suppression programs. Prepares written reports of inspections, collections, surveys, and pest control activities to provide for a basis for supervisory decisions. Coordinates the reporting procedures of lower-level inspectors plant industry to effectively document program activities. Establishes and maintains essential records and files. Will be 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

Two (2) years of experience in plant pest inspection and the review of plant pest control work, one (1) year of which shall have been in a plant pest control program.

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' forests, 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 organize and assign the field work of lower-level inspectors plant industry. 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 provide guidance and instructions to lower-level inspectors plant industry. 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.

Position Variants