Address:  Department of Pest Management / Inspections
1110 W. Washington Street, #450, Phoenix AZ 85007

Salary: 18.00 - 20.00 

Grade: 17

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for a Pest Control Inspector II for our Office of Pest Management, the position is located in our Phoenix office.
The Office of Pest Management licenses, educates and regulates the pest management industry. The Agency is guided by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and state statutes and rules. An ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of structural pest application, regulatory compliance, and a background in the pest control or landscape industry.

Major Job duties include but are not limited to:

• Performing State Inspections of commercial businesses and persons applying pesticides in structural settings following established procedures; determining compliance with pesticide use, storage, disposal, and recordkeeping requirements; detecting violations, and documenting findings of inspections on state inspection forms.
• Conducting investigations of complaints from the public and referrals from other government agencies in a time sensitive environment;
• Collecting samples for laboratory testing; documenting observations using photographs or video; checking structures to determine pest infestations or damage; reading and analyzing test reports; understanding and applying state laws and rules applicable to structural pesticide use; interpreting pesticide labels; interviewing respondents and witnesses; taking written or recorded statements.
• Writing detailed investigative reports describing findings of inspections and investigations, which may be used in court proceedings.
• Testifying in court proceedings as required
• Providing training, education, and outreach to small and large groups to enable licensees and other affected parties to be in compliance and to understand Office of Pest Management laws and rules.
• Designing and developing training and presentation materials
• The person in this position will drive a state vehicle and travel around the state to conduct inspections and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Federal and State laws pertaining to pesticide use, storage, disposal, recordkeeping and reporting requirements
• State pesticide licensing and certification requirements
• Pests and pest control, entomology, or horticulture.
• Basic toxicological effects of pesticides on human and animal health
• Pesticide labels and their applicability to pesticide use, storage, and disposal.
• Equipment used in the application of pesticides, including personal protective equipment
• Procedures and techniques used in monitoring pesticide use, collecting pesticide or environmental samples, chain of custody, and laboratory test reports
• Concepts of Investigative or technical report writing
• Applicability of pesticides in other jurisdictions relevant to occupational, environmental, public health and safety.

Skills in:

• Inspection and Investigation techniques and the methods used to obtain and evaluate evidence, which can be used in civil, administrative or criminal court proceedings
• Verbal and written communication
• Regulatory compliance applicable to environmental, public health, or occupational safety.
• Identification of occupational safety and environmental hazards
• Independently identifying issues and developing effective solutions
• Mathematical calculations, including analyzing and evaluating a wide variety of technical data, such as laboratory analysis results, pesticide use calculations, reports and plans in order to determine potential violations regarding pesticide use.
• Designing and presenting training materials
• Computer Skills, with proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Ability to:
• Multi-task and prioritize assignments
• Work independently
• Maintain diplomacy in stressful situations
• Write technical reports
• Communicate and educate licensees on administrative code and compliance
• Ability to type by touch
• Create effective training materials and presentations
• Present training courses to small and large groups
• Travel in state to conduct inspections and training and occasionally travel out of state for training

Valid Drivers’ License
Have, or obtain Office of Pest Management Certification in all license categories within 6 months of employment.

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.