Entry Level Field Botany Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 the Insect Detection Specialist I job description for more information. Click link to the 2024 Crop Report: San Diego County 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: 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, Completion of at least nine (9) units of college level course work in biology, botany, entomology, or a closely related science Working Conditions May 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 Employment As 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 Strategic Plan 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.