Assistant Horticultural Inspector 2

 Albany and Saratoga County, NY

 

Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets!   Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the chance to join our team, and you’ll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.

 

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is hiring an Assistant Horticultural Inspector 2 position in Albany and Saratoga Counties. The Assistant Horticultural Inspector 2 serves as a seasonal survey work group leader. They provide instruction to Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1s; and confirm that work, forms, and reports are completed and submitted on time. In addition, they may also assist in performing visual surveys of plants for the presence of pests to assist in identifying plant diseases and insects; collect samples of leaves, seeds or other agricultural commodities; deploy traps and lures in support of various surveys under established protocols and direction; label and pack samples for submission to the laboratory for analysis; record survey data and information; and perform other duties that an Assistant Horticultural Inspector 1 may perform.

 

The Assistant Horticultural Inspector 2 earns $21.81/hour and provides full-time hours working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. These positions are temporary and seasonal, with regular renewals from season to season based on program needs. The two seasons run from April 1 through November 30 and December 1 through March 31. The duties of the position require walking and standing outside in all weather conditions. Overnight travel may be required.

 

These opportunities are perfect for a self-driven candidate who wants autonomy over their schedule and enjoys working outside the office setting! 

 

This is a PEF-represented position that offers excellent benefits! Benefits include but are not limited to inexpensive Health Insurance options, free Dental and Vision coverage, NYS Pension Plan membership, paid parental leave, and generous paid time off. Within the first year, you may be eligible to earn 5 days of personal time, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and several paid holidays!

 

As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct student loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer.

 

Minimum Qualifications: You must have thirty college credits, in any subject, and one year of plant survey inspection experience.

 

Preferred Qualifications: Thirty college credits in horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, botany, entomology, environmental studies/plant science, or a biological science primarily related to the scientific study of plants. Possession of a current, valid driver’s license and use of a vehicle.

 

These positions require extensive travel. Appointees must either possess at the time of appointment and continuously thereafter a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State and have access to a motor vehicle when necessary or otherwise demonstrate their capacity to meet the regular transportation requirements in carrying out their field work responsibilities.

 

Candidates that are eligible and interested in being considered for appointment to one of these opportunities must use this link to apply: Position Vacancy Online Application by: March 28, 2026. Within this online application please indicate the region location you are interested in and upload your resume, college transcript, and cover letter.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Carman in Human Resources at (518) 457-3216 or recruitment@agriculture.ny.gov.

The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity, and reasonable accommodations and/or modifications as necessary, for qualified persons with disabilities.  If you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please visit: https://agriculture.ny.gov/employment-information.