Entry Level Entomology Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $42,224.00 - $54,454.40 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 26540001AWM
Department: Agriculture, Wghts & Meas
Division: Agriculture Weights And Measur
Opening Date: 01/20/2026
Job Summary
Excellent Entry Level Opportunity Performing Scientific Field Activities
County of San Diego
Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures
INSECT DETECTION SPECIALIST I
Interviews Will Be Conducted on an Ongoing Basis
Selected candidates will be hired at Step 1 $42,224.00 of the salary range. County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5.
Future Salary Increases
** June 2027 - 6.20% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 3.20% Market Adjustment)
The San Diego County Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures (AWM) is currently hiring for Insect Detection Specialist I. Insect Detection Specialists perform detection, trapping, field identification, control work on agricultural pests and laboratory support work leading to the detection and control of insects and other agricultural pests.
Please read thejob description for more information.
Click link to the 2024 Crop Report:
Hiring Process and Timeline:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
I. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
II. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following
successful background investigation results.
III. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful
completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications Education, training, and/or experience, that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. Qualifying education/experience:

1. Six (6) months of experience in the areas of vertebrate, insect, plant disease or weed detection and/or identification in a nursery, horticulture or agricultural setting; OR,
2. Completion of at least nine (9) units of college level course work in biology, botany, entomology, or a closely related science

Working ConditionsMay be subject to occasional overtime and weekend work. May be subject to driving work trucks approximately 60-125 miles daily, and occasional walking up/down hills or slopes. May be subject to exposure to extremes in temperature, humidity or wetness, and small amounts of pesticides daily. May be subject to exposure to chemicals. May perform duties in conjunction with a detection dog team. Incumbents are required to work in outdoor and laboratory settings.
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Conditions of EmploymentAs part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provide is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
Strategic Plan
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Please see the for more information.
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
Diversity & Inclusion
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary
01
*Please be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough, complete, and truthful manner, as your responses may be used to determine your overall score.
*Please DO NOT indicate; "SEE RESUME", "SEE ABOVE" or "SEE APPLICATION" as these are NOT valid answers.
*If you are invited to a selection interview(s) by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification.
*Please review the minimum qualifications listed on the job posting before completing the application. By checking the 'Yes' response below, I indicate that I have read and understand the instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire. I understand that the written responses to the supplemental question(s) listed below are required in order to evaluate my qualifications for this position, and for my application to be considered.Do you understand this information?

• YES
• NO

02
If you select "yes" to meeting the Minimum Qualifications below, your work experience MUST be verifiable in the employment history section of this application.
By checking the 'Yes' response below, I indicate that I have read and understand the minimum qualifications of this classification AND the employment history section of this application details my qualifications.

• Yes, I understand and meet the minimum qualifications AND I have included this information in the work history of my application.
• No, I do not understand and do not meet the minimum qualifications AND I have not included this information in the work history of my application.
• I do not meet any of the minimum qualifications.

03
Minimum QualificationsSelect the option that most accurately describes your qualifications.

• Six (6) months of experience in the areas of vertebrate, insect, plant disease or weed detection and/or identification in a nursery, horticulture or agricultural setting
• Completion of at least nine (9) units of college level course work in biology, botany, entomology, or a closely related science.
• None of the above.

04
If you are using education to qualify, please include a copy of your official or unofficial transcript or diploma or certificate at the time of application.Please select from the choice below:

• YES, I have attached a copy of my official or unofficial transcript or diploma or certificate at the time of application
• NO, I am not using education to qualify (minimum qualification #2)

05
For the minimum qualification selected above in question #3, please provide a detailed description of your full-time experience in meeting the minimum qualification. In order to receive credit, please answer the question thoroughly. Be sure to include the following information: 1.) Your job title 2.) Employer name 3.) Your exact role and responsibility 4.) A brief description of your duties. If you responded "No," then please enter "N/A" below. Your work experience MUST be verifiable in the employment history section of this application. If you do not have this experience, indicate "N/A".
06
Do you have at least one (1) year of experience in the areas of vertebrate, insect, plant disease or weed detection and/or identification in a nursery, horticulture or agricultural setting?

• Yes
• No

07
Do you have knowledge, training or experience with any of the following. Check all that apply.

• Identifying plant pests, plants and trees
• Conducting field survey for weeds, vertebrates, insects, nematodes and diseases
• Trapping or identifying invasive fruit flies
• Collecting, preventing or controlling a variety of plant diseases
• Weed Detection and/or identification in a nursery, horticulture or agricultural setting
• Reading and following maps
• Maintaining accurate records and reports
• None of the above

08
Do you have work experience in resolving difficult interactions with customers and/or members of the public?

• Yes
• No

09
If you responded YES to question #8, then please describe your experience in the space below. Your response must include ALL of the following: 1. Job title(s) 2. Employer name(s) 3. Length of experience (number of years and/or months) 4. An example of a difficult interaction you encountered with customers and/or members of the public; and the actions you took to successfully resolve the difficult situation. If you responded No to question #8, then enter "NA."
10
Have you completed at least an associate degree in biology, botany, entomology, or a closely related science?

• Yes
• No

11
Working ConditionsDo you understand that the working conditions of Insect Detection Specialist I consist of the following? May be subject to: 1). occasional overtime and weekend work 2). driving work trucks approximately 60-125 miles daily, and occasional walking up/down hills or slopes. 3). exposure to extremes in temperature, humidity or wetness, and small amounts of pesticides daily. 4). exposure to chemicals. May perform duties in conjunction with a detection dog team. Incumbents are required to work in outdoor and laboratory settings.

• Yes
• No

12
Where did you first hear about this job opportunity?

• San Diego County website
• Governmentjobs.com
• Veteran Outreach / FFSC
• Mana de San Diego
• Family, Neighbors, Friends
• County Employee Resources Group
• College/University Career Site
• County Social Media
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Voice and Viewpoint
• Government Alliance on Race and Equity
• Job Fair/Career Event
• Other

Required Question