Plant Pest Administrator

Agency

Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services

Division

Agriculture Consumer Service

Job Classification Title

Plant Pest Program Manager (NS)

Position Number

60012485

Grade

NC18

About Us

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Description of Work

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.

This posting is open to current State of North Carolina employees and RIF candidates with priority reemployment rights under G.S. 126.

The Plant Pest Administrator is a key administrative and technical role responsible for managing all assigned programs within the Plant Protection Section. This includes ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations aimed at controlling, eradicating, and preventing economically significant plant pests.

The Administrator oversees several program areas, including:

• Plant Pest Technical Services
• Plant Pest Scientific Services and Program Support
• Plant Conservation
• Biological Control and Apiary Services
• Field Services

The Plant Pest Administrator leads the planning, development, and implementation of the section’s mission, goals, and priorities. They specifically oversee the creation and management of statewide plant pest regulatory programs, including all pest eradication and mitigation efforts, oversight of human resources, finance and ensures programs are run safely. The Plant Pest Administrator directs statewide pest control programs, drafts legislative changes for review, and comments on federal laws affecting North Carolina. The role collaborates closely with division leadership on funding, staffing, and resource needs, manages the section budget, and approves expenditures. Extensive interaction with stakeholders, state agencies, and federal partners ensures effective communication and problem-solving.

The Administrator supervises twelve professional staff and one administrative assistant and reports to the Plant Industry Division Director. Additional responsibilities include working with the Plant Industry Division leadership to develop funding, staffing, and resource requests. The Administrator manages the section’s budget, monitors expenditures, and approves purchases.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $63,927 - $90,000

• Ability to administer laws and rules concerning plant pests.

• Knowledge of the techniques and terminologies applicable to the control and eradication of plant pests.

• Grant writing, acquisition, and budget management experience

• Ability to supervise staff and serve as a consultant to field staff.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with nurserymen, farmers, commodity groups, state and federal agencies and the public.

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.

 

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.
 
Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.
 
All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.  

* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *
 
Questions regarding this posting?  Contact 919-707-3201.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Master's degree in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, botany, weed science or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Lori Lynnette Reed

Recruiter Email: [email protected]