Plant Protection Technician

Position:

Plant Protection Technician, GS-04 ($19.02 per hour) or GS-05 ($21.28 per hour)

Location:

Bloomington, MN

Frequent in-state travel will be required. Overnight travel may be required.

Work Schedule:

This position is seasonal and temporary – limited to 180 days maximum, est. June-August/early Sept. Full-time (40 hrs/wk).

Benefits:

Annual leave and sick leave accrual

Starting Date:

Tentatively June 1st, 2026.

Agency Background:

This is a federal civilian position. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) safeguards agriculture and natural resources from the entry, establishment, or spread of plant pests and noxious weeds. Fulfillment of this safeguarding role ensures an abundant, high-quality, and varied food supply, strengthens the marketability of U.S. agriculture in domestic and international commerce, and contributes to the preservation of the global environment. For more information visit: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-protection-quarantine.

Job Description:

The temporary, seasonal technicians will work with PPQ and state counterparts to perform exotic pest monitoring, site surveys, and biological control releases throughout the State of Minnesota. Selectee will utilize technology to capture detailed information about trap activities. The technician will assist with screening and identification of trap catch and prepare screened samples for shipment.

Requirements:

Applicants must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age (documentation required).

Applicants must have a valid state driver’s license.

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

For GS-04 ($19.02), Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 8 semester hours in courses such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or physics.

For GS-05 ($21.28), Successful completion of 4 years of study that included at least 16 semester hours in courses such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or physics.

Knowledge & Skills:

The successful candidate will have:

• Strong knowledge of the principles of biological science, especially field ecology, forest pests, and biocontrol practices
• Working knowledge of native and invasive plants and insect field identification
• Working knowledge of standard Microsoft Office Suite applications
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent record keeping skills (both paper and digital)
• Ability to work independently outdoors walking in rough terrain, in a variety of inclement climate conditions
• Ability to follow detailed written or verbal instructions

Other: All necessary equipment and training will be provided. Training is required before operating a government vehicle.

Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please submit all of the following:

1. Resume showing applicable experience

2. Academic transcript (if available)

3. Two professional references

4. Brief narrative (1 page max) describing interest and detailing skills and abilities

Email all documents to: william.farhat@usda.gov

Contact Person:

William Farhat, State Plant Health Director

USDA-APHIS-PPQ Minnesota

Email: william.farhat@usda.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:

• An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training and office-sponsored events.

Pay: $19.02 - $21.28 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $21