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Aphis Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Serve as the primary liaison with CDC/DSAT, USDA/APHIS, and FSAP. * Maintains the authority to implement any action necessary to ensure compliance, including restricting access, halting experiments ...

Aphis information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an APHIS inspector?

To thrive as an APHIS inspector, you generally need a background in biological sciences, agriculture, or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree or specialized training. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory equipment, and regulatory compliance software is commonly required, along with certifications in pest and disease identification or food safety. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills help inspectors effectively assess risks and interact with stakeholders. These competencies are vital to ensure the protection of U.S. agriculture, prevent the spread of pests and diseases, and uphold public safety standards.

What is APHIS?

Aphis are professionals who work for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a USDA agency responsible for protecting U.S. agriculture and natural resources from pests and diseases. Their roles can include inspecting agricultural imports and exports, enforcing animal and plant health regulations, and responding to outbreaks of pests or diseases. APHIS employees may work in the field, laboratories, or administrative offices to ensure the health of plants and animals nationwide. They play a crucial role in maintaining food safety, supporting trade, and safeguarding ecosystems.

What are some common challenges faced by APHIS inspectors during fieldwork, and how are they typically addressed?

APHIS inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, ensuring compliance with complex regulations, and handling potentially stressful interactions with stakeholders like farmers or importers. To address these, inspectors receive thorough training in biosecurity protocols, conflict resolution, and regulatory updates. Collaboration with colleagues and ongoing support from supervisors also help inspectors navigate difficult situations and maintain high standards of safety and compliance in the field.

What is the difference between Aphis vs Pest Control Technician?

AspectAphisPest Control Technician
Required CertificationsLicensed applicator license, pesticide certificationLicensed applicator license, pesticide certification
Work EnvironmentAgricultural fields, greenhouses, outdoor settingsResidential, commercial, industrial buildings
Industry UsagePrimarily in agriculture and crop managementIn pest management services across various sectors

While both Aphis and Pest Control Technicians require pesticide licensing and work with pest management, Aphis refers specifically to the insect pests affecting crops, whereas Pest Control Technicians handle pests in buildings and structures. The roles overlap in certification needs but differ in work environment and industry focus.

What are popular job titles related to Aphis jobs in Michigan?

For Aphis jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aphis job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 54% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 43% Remote job distribution.

Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (State Director)

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

Okemos, MI • On-site

$117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

If selected, you will be responsible for planning, developing, organizing, and administering complex operational and technical assistance programs designed to efficiently, effectively, and safely reduce wildlife damage that adversely impacts agricultural interests, human health and safety, property, and natural resources. This position is multi-jurisdictional and primarily spans several districts within a State/Territory or a combination of states, which includes supervising a large staff.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
  1. Degree: biological science that included:
    • At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and
    • At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and
    • At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences.
OR
Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Evaluating and developing staff members, addressing performance problems, managing workforce staffing needs for overtime and temporary duty (TDY) assignments.
  • Assisting with program policy development, including processes and procedures that improve operations, resulting in greater efficiency and effective application of regulations for wildlife damage management operations.
  • Managing wildlife damage management program administration, involving large-scale resources, a high degree of logistical planning, and multiple funding sources, monitoring contracts.
  • Gaining cooperation from, exchanging information, applying regulations, and resolving problematic issues with industry representatives relative to wildlife damage management requirements.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
  • This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education:Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER