TDA - Region 3 - Inspector - Citrus Health (Internal) (58474)

INSPECTOR – CITRUS HEALTH

(Internal Posting – Open to Current TDA Employees Only – 5 Day Posting)

(Multiple Vacancies available)

Salary Information: B13, $4,150.00/MO.

State Classification: 1322 – Inspector II

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Posting Number: 26-58474-1

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in Work In Texas (WIT) will be required to complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information including how you heard about the job, and provide an electronic signature in the CAPPS Career Section to be considered for the position.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s key objectives are to promote production agriculture, consumer protection, economic development and healthy living.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Inspector – Citrus Health will perform moderately complex/ moderately complex to complex inspections related to health of citrus nursery plants for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to contribute to the enforcement of agriculture laws and regulations for consumer protection in the State of Texas. You will assist in completing case preparations and may testify on hearings on violations of Consumer Protection laws. You will work under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This is an entry-level position with increasing responsibilities as training progresses. Newly hired inspectors are required to complete trainings on different types of inspections which will assist them in learning regulations, operating procedures, and other job responsibilities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform a variety of entry level citrus nursery inspections, market blitz inspections and searches of unregistered nurseries and complete accurate and detailed reports to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Respond to and investigate complaints involving allegations of noncompliance and complete case investigation reports with data integrity and properly gather and document data and records of violations to include interviewing witnesses and collecting and submitting samples including Asian Citrus Psyllid and leaf samples for laboratory analysis.

Audit sales records, issue Stop Sales, notice of seizures, rejection notices, and collect and remit licensing and late fees for violations.

Complete travel vouchers and mileage reports; complete various weekly and end-of-month reports.

Coordinate and ensure that the Regional Director and Assistant Regional Director are kept informed of all issues related to the inspections.

Represent the agency in a positive manner when dealing with constituents.

Bachelor’s degree (A high school diploma and two years full-time work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for a degree.).

Must reside in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston, or Brazoria Counties or within a 10-mile radius of the county line or assigned work area.

Valid Texas driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to pull, reverse and park tandem axle & gooseneck trailers; ability to work on and troubleshoot problems with power tools.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of laws, codes, standards, and regulations related to the area of responsibility; of the principles and methods of field inspection and quality control; and of business practices in regulated occupations and industries.

Skill in conducting inspections; in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; in determining proper courses of action; in using instruments or tools necessary to perform inspections; in using a computer and applicable programs and databases, and in maintaining records and written reports.

Ability to prepare reports; to interpret laws and regulations; to gather and analyze data; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; interact effectively with co-workers, supervisors and the public; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Involves working outdoors and exposure to extremes in temperatures (including high-low temperature changes and variable climatic conditions such as rain, fog, dust, fumes, gases, and odors); extensive moving and remaining stationary; walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; safely lifting and/or carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds; slippery and uneven walking surfaces operating heavy equipment/machinery; safely handling hazardous and/or flammable materials; exposure to live insects and animals; and exposure to dust. Requires wearing protective clothing and safety equipment. Involves safely operating a TDA vehicle and driving for long distances; working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed; and daily and overnight travel (up to 50%).

H-1B Visa Sponsorship

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Careers Section , you may check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and then selecting My Submissions. To be considered for the position, applicants must complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information including how you heard about the job, and provide an electronic signature in the CAPPS Career Section.

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  A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Background Checks: A criminal conviction records check is required for applicants who are selected for a position.

**Foreign Credentials: upload an evaluation of your coursework if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside of the United States; otherwise, we cannot give you credit for your degree. Some organizations that provide evaluation services are:

Foreign Credential Services of America

SpanTran: The Evaluation Company

Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): TDA is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity.

Reasonable Accommodations: If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview or an HR representative at 512-463-7423. Whenever possible, please give the hiring or HR representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.