Nature of Work:

The Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Coordinator performs professional level work in the planning, development, and execution of agricultural insect detection, survey, and control projects on state- and privately-owned land.

Examples of Work:

• Conduct, collate, and evaluate data collected in agricultural insect surveys throughout the state to detect the presence of both endemic and exotic insect pests, the number of these pests, and the amount of damage they are causing.
• Identify agricultural and related insects.
• Recommend control procedures and programs.
• Review reports and technical literature and interpret research results.
• Train subordinate insect survey and control project personnel.
• Provide insect identification, control information, advice, and technical assistance on the safe and proper use of pesticides in urban and rural agricultural environments to landowners, extension agents, and other agency personnel.
• Assist in the conduct of cooperative programs with counterpart federal agencies.
• Prepare and present written news releases for radio and television programs.
• Conduct oral presentations to civic groups, schools, and garden clubs.
• Prepare informational brochures and prepare reports for publication in scientific journals when appropriate.
• Prepare written reports weekly, quarterly, and annually and maintain records.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Combination of office and outdoor environment; sitting, standing, walking, driving, lifting up to 50 pounds, and exposure to inclement weather.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of insects and their relation to plant and animal life.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations and agencies dealing with agricultural entomology.
• Knowledge of the Department’s objectives, procedures, policies and rules, and the relationship of the Division to the rest of the agency.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan and conduct a professional entomological program, including surveys, control programs and analysis of populations and damages.
• Ability to analyze and incorporate the results of research into operational use and interpret these results for the general public.
• Ability to supervise the work of subordinate personnel.
• Ability to work independently in the field for an extended period.
• Ability to prepare and conduct public information programs dealing with insects and their damage and control.
• Ability to interact with employees, officials, and the public to establish and maintain an effective working relationship.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in entomology, biological science, or a related field.

Experience:

One-year of full-time paid employment in field biology.

Substitutions:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with Master’s degree in entomology, biological science, or a related field may be substituted on a year for year basis for employment experience.

Licenses/ Certifications: