Plant Pest Specialist

State of North Carolina

. Implement pest risk mitigation strategies, including plant pest quarantines, point of origin inspections, pest-free areas, certification and permitting, and compliance agreements .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeNorth Carolina • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $50,088 - $55,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in pest risk mitigation strategies, including plant pest quarantines and inspections, while effectively managing plant certification programs and compliance with state and federal regulations. Possesses strong knowledge in entomology, plant pathology, and horticulture, with the ability to establish relationships within the agricultural community.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Pest Risk MitigationPlant Certification ProgramsEntomology KnowledgePesticide Applicators LicenseUSDA-APHIS-PPQ Authorized Certifying Official

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Plant Pest QuarantinesPoint of Origin InspectionsFederal Phytosanitary CertificatesInsect Control ProgramsDisease ManagementWeed Control ProgramsPlant Pest IdentificationExport Certification RequirementsRegulatory ComplianceNursery Inspections

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationTeam CollaborationProblem SolvingRelationship BuildingIndependent Work

Certifications & Qualifications

Pesticide Applicators LicenseUSDA-APHIS-PPQ Authorized Certifying OfficialNCNLA Certified Plant Professional

Industry Keywords

Plant PathologyHorticultureAgribusinessAgricultural CommunityExtension Staff

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Implement pest risk mitigation strategies, including plant pest quarantines, point of origin inspections, pest-free areas, certification and permitting, and compliance agreements
Conduct nursery, nursery dealer, and aquatic dealer inspections
Implement plant certification programs, manage export certification requirements, and issue Federal Phytosanitary Certificates
Implement insect, disease, and weed programs, including trapping, monitoring, and eradication/control activities
Issue certificates or permits for movement of regulated articles in compliance with regulations
Serve as a technical consultant and liaison between producers, agribusiness, extension, and the general public to resolve plant pest regulatory problems
Oversee plant regulatory programs in Buncombe, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in entomology, plant pathology or horticulture with an emphasis on pest management, crop science or closely related biological science from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of plant inspection/specialist experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Must reside in, or be willing to move to, Buncombe, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford or Transylvania County or any adjoining county
Must obtain a pesticide applicators license within one year of hire
Must become a USDA-APHIS-PPQ Authorized Certifying Official within the prescribed USDA allocated timeline
Must become a NCNLA Certified Plant Professional within 18 months of hire
Must have a valid NC Driver's License
Ability to learn and effectively interpret state and federal laws relating to plant pests
Knowledge of entomology, plant pathology, weed science, or horticulture
Ability to identify plant pests and provide control measures
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the nursery industry, agricultural community, general public, and extension staff
Ability to work independently and function as an effective team member

Benefits

Comp & perks

State Employee Benefits
Reasonable accommodation for employees and applicants with disabilities, pregnancy-related limitations, and religious beliefs, observances, and practices
Equal employment opportunity and protection from unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation
Veteran's/National Guard preference in hiring consideration