Temporary Summer Job Opportunity

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

The Plant Pest Control Bureau conducts survey work for exotic/invasive pests each year. Annual surveys are conducted for spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth) and thousand cankers disease of walnut in partnership with other state and federal agencies to help prevent the introduction and establishment of these destructive pests in Missouri. The Bureau also maintains the Cooperative Ag Pest Survey (CAPS) program, which is a partnership with USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine, to survey Missouri for harmful exotic plant pests. Previous CAPS exotic/invasive pest surveys have included karnal bunt of wheat, plum pox virus, emerald ash borer, grape/vineyard pests, field crops and bark beetle/forest pests. The goals of these surveys are 1) provide early detection services which would make eradication or management of the pests more likely and 2) keep export markets open by showing freedom from pests that are a concern to other states and countries.

TITLE: Forest Pest Survey Technician (1 position available)

REGIONS: Central Missouri (Based out of Jefferson City)

PAY RATE: $15.00 PER HOUR/ State Vehicle Provided

DURATION and HOURS: Approx. mid-May – mid-August 2023; 40 hours/week.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful applicant for this position will be responsible for carrying out a series of insect surveys. The employee will be assigned a survey area where they will be responsible for locating suitable trap locations and preparation, placement, monitoring, and collection of these traps. The position will be based out of Jefferson City but the survey areas will include central, southwest, eastern, and western areas of the state. The purpose of this survey is to detect the presence of seven different exotic/invasive insect pests of oak, ash, and maple trees. The surveyor will also be placing traps at vineyards for our grape commodity survey, looking for two different moth species. The employee will be responsible for the assembly, placement, monitoring, and collection of samples from approximately 100 traps in the assigned area. Additionally, visual surveys will be conducted on Tree of Heaven and other host plants for spotted lanternfly. The employee will be responsible for navigating to and recording the location of trap locations using GPS units, maps and data sheets. The employee will follow the required survey time and trap monitoring time frames and comply with established reporting requirements. The employee is responsible for the return of all department issued equipment and materials.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have one year college experience in forestry, entomology, biology or a related area of study. Applicants must have valid driver’s license with good driving record. Due to the critical nature of survey timing, applicants must be available for the entire trapping period. Applicants must be able to travel in isolated areas on their own and work outside in Missouri summer weather conditions. Must be able to communicate with the public about the survey and represent the Missouri Department of Agriculture in a professional manner. Applicants must be able to use maps and GPS units (with training) to navigate to and maintain proper records of trap locations. Applicants will need to be able to recognize various tree types such as ash, oak, and maple. Applicants will need to be able to identify potential invasive insect species after instruction. Applicants must be able to change a flat tire and follow maintenance schedules on assigned vehicle.

For questions about the position contact: hr@mda.mo.gov

The Missouri Dept of Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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