Address:  Department of Plant Services
1110 W. Washington Street, #450, Phoenix AZ 85007

Salary: 26.81 - 26.81 

Grade: 17

Closing Date: August 15, 2025

                                                      ***THIS POSITION IS FOR CURRENT AGRICULTURE EMPLOYEES ONLY***

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an Agriculture Inspector IV for the Plant Services Division. The duty post for this position is located in our Phoenix office.

The Department of Agriculture’s, Plant Services Division, safeguards agriculture, food and the environment from the risks associated with the entry, establishment and spread of plant pests, diseases and noxious weeds thereby promoting agricultural sustainability, market access and competitiveness.

The incumbent for this position will serve as an assistant to the Phoenix Operations Manager

Duties to include but not limited to:

• Acts as a lead inspector and/or team leader
• Performs a variety of complex agriculture, horticulture and pest detection inspections
• Determine and recognize harmful insects and diseases of plants; monitor detection traps; monitors and executes controls and eradication programs and enforcement of laws, regulations; issues certificates and/or permits
• Records items of interest on inspection reports and submits samples
• Testifies in hearings or courts (as determined by regulatory actions)
• Performs investigative duties associated with violations
• Assists in training, instruction and supervision of other Inspectors
• May work on special projects as delegated; review work and schedule activities; may assist in preparing personnel evaluations; perform administrative functions as assigned.
• The position will require the successful candidate to drive a state vehicle on official state business
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge of:
• Federal, State and agency laws, rules, regulations and standards governing inspections
• Habitats and distribution of harmful insects, weeds and diseases of plants; conditions of plant pests and diseases that may have adverse effect on agricultural crops or commodities
• Techniques and methods of inspecting and applying corrective controls; enforcement of laws specific to agricultural/horticulture industries
• Practices and procedures (including safety) within the work environment
• Practices and procedures of inspection standards and authorized enforcement guidelines
• Principles and practices of work management and work leadership

Skill in:
• Application and interpretation of Federal, State and agency laws, rules and regulations governing the inspection of agricultural/horticultural plants, crops and related products
• Recommending appropriate controls of insects, weeds and diseases
• Applying the relative enforcement laws to violators
• Oral and written communication
• Communicating verbally in a diplomatic and tactful way to a diverse public in order to exchange information and enforcement regulations
• Establishing priorities, work leadership and training

Ability to:
• Recognize various agricultural products/commodities
• Independently interpret and apply standards or procedures to determine alternative solutions
• Communicate verbally and in writing in order to document findings, prepare reports and conduct inspections
• Apply interpersonal skills and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, stakeholders and the general public
• Plan, organize analyze and prepare written communication in order to document and present inspections and/or investigative findings
• Exercise independent judgment and initiative in identifying, analyzing and solving problems associated with work activities.

One year experience equivalent to an Agriculture Inspector III or a combination of agriculture/horticulture work experience and college course work in related field.

Valid Driver's License

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Agriculture offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Mandatory condition of Employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statue. Current contribution rate is 12.00%. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Melissa Meek at mmeek@azda.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.