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Plant Quarantine Inspector information

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$12

$27

$52

How much do plant quarantine inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant quarantine inspector in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant quarantine inspector?

Plant Quarantine Inspectors are professionals responsible for monitoring and enforcing regulations that prevent the introduction and spread of harmful pests, diseases, and invasive species through plants and plant products. They inspect shipments at borders, ports, and nurseries, examining plants, soil, and packaging materials for signs of infestation or contamination. Their work helps protect local agriculture, ecosystems, and the economy by ensuring that only healthy, pest-free plants enter or move within a region. In addition to inspections, they may also educate the public and industry about quarantine regulations and best practices.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a plant quarantine inspector?

To thrive as a Plant Quarantine Inspector, you need a solid background in plant biology, pest identification, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in agriculture, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with inspection protocols, laboratory analysis tools, and data management systems is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as pesticide applicator licenses. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and clear communication are important soft skills for effectively assessing risks and educating stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful pests and diseases, protecting agriculture and natural resources.

What challenges does a plant quarantine inspector face during inspections at ports of entry?

Plant Quarantine Inspectors often encounter challenges such as identifying pests or diseases in shipments that may not show obvious symptoms, working in high-pressure environments with tight deadlines, and staying updated on changing regulations and import/export guidelines. They must carefully balance the need for thorough inspections with the efficient movement of goods to avoid delays. Effective communication and collaboration with customs officials, importers, and other agencies are essential to ensure compliance and protect local agriculture.

What is the difference between Plant Quarantine Inspector vs Plant Pathologist?

AspectPlant Quarantine InspectorPlant Pathologist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often a certification in plant inspectionBachelor's or higher in plant pathology or related field; advanced degrees preferred
Work EnvironmentBorder checkpoints, ports, and inspection stationsResearch labs, universities, or agricultural research centers
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, customs, and import/export companiesResearch institutions, universities, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for inspection roles and certification requirementsCompared for research, diagnosis, and disease management roles

The main difference is that a Plant Quarantine Inspector focuses on inspecting and preventing the entry of pests and diseases at borders, while a Plant Pathologist studies plant diseases to develop control methods. Both roles require knowledge of plant health, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

How to become a plant quarantine inspector?

To become a plant quarantine inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in agriculture, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of plant pests and diseases, inspection procedures, and sometimes certification in pest management or phytosanitary standards; on-the-job training is common. Employment often requires passing a background check and may involve periodic certification renewals.

What cities are hiring for Plant Quarantine Inspector jobs?

Cities with the most Plant Quarantine Inspector job openings:

What states have the most Plant Quarantine Inspector jobs?

States with the most job openings for Plant Quarantine Inspector jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Plant Quarantine Inspector jobs?

For Plant Quarantine Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Plant Quarantine Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Quarantine Inspector job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,905 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Supervisory Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer

Minersville, PA • On-site, Remote

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Animal and Plant Health Inspection Serviceexternal

$89K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Summary
You will serve as a Supervisory PPQ Officer with certain statewide program responsibilities or organizational unit responsibility for federal employees, state cooperative agreement personnel, and/or private contract employees. The mission of this organization is to prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of exotic plant pests and/or animal diseases in order to protect the health, welfare and agricultural economy of the United States of America and to facilitate agricultural exports.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • The duties may include, but are not limited to:
  • Implements regulatory, treatment, and/or inspection programs in order to facilitate exports of agricultural products.
  • Plans and manages the technical approach for inspections, treatments, survey/eradication programs, and quarantine applications.
  • Plans and organizes the work and training of subordinate employees; administers overtime; approves leave of subordinate employees.
  • Prepares annual budget within given allocations ensuring supplies, equipment, and facilities are sufficient for program needs.
  • Evaluates and reviews the work of the subordinates and formulates work accomplishment reports.
  • Determines when additional staffing is required; initiates recruitment requests, conducts interviews, and makes selections.
  • Conducts program assessments and develops long-range work plans at local levels.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
  • Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
  • Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
  • Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
  • All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.

Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must meet the following qualification requirement:
FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Analyzing data and developing recommendations regarding solutions to technical problems.
  • Managing the work of subordinates, developing and monitoring short and long-range work plans.
  • Planning and managing the technical approach for inspections, treatments, survey/eradication programs, and quarantine applications for a plant pest and disease program. Initiating and modifying techniques and procedures to meet changing program requirements.

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.
Additional information
  • Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be well qualified, which means having knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies that exceed the minimum qualification requirements for this position. CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100 to receive selection priority.
  • First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
  • Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
  • Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection.
  • This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months. (Appointment may be extended up to 10 years without reannouncing). For more details click: Term Appointments
  • Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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