TDA - RG 5 - Lead Med/Mex Fly Trapper (Internal) (58036)

LEAD MED/MEX FLY TRAPPER

(Internal Posting – Open to Current TDA Employees Only – 5 Day Posting)

Salary Information: B17, $4,300.00/MO.

State Classification: Inspector IV - 1324

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Posting Number: 25-58036-1

Location: Harlingen, TX*

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s key objectives are to promote production agriculture, consumer protection, economic development and healthy living.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

You will perform inspections and serve as the lead for a team of Med/Mex Fly Trappers to contribute to the efforts of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to control both pest and economic damage to the state's citrus crop industry. You will assist the regional management team in ensuring staff are following USDA and TDA guidelines and policies and procedures. You will serve as TDA representative and liaison with TDA staff, USDA, and the public. You will work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform inspections and establish and maintain plot locations of trap sites in appropriate positions and at proper densities near citrus trees to trap Mediterranean fruit flies and/or Mexican fruit flies and other types of plant pests, as assigned. Prepare daily and weekly reports on the conditions of assigned traps and trap sites, the number and locations of traps inspected each day, etc.; and submit reports to the appropriate USDA and TDA staff.

Serve as the Lead Med/Mex Fly Trapper assisting regional management with capturing daily attendance, reporting daily incidents, and coordinating the need and availability of materials and supplies for the team.

Train inspectors on all aspects of inspections to include USDA and TDA guidelines, procedures and processes, and safety protocols. Identify areas of improvement and make training recommendations to regional management.

Ensure all routes are current and updated with changes and serve as the back-up to ensure all trapper routes are covered; assist USDA staff with rotating traps, as needed and make recommendations to established routes to better serve the program and improve the distribution of traps.

Serve as a TDA representative and communicate with property owners granting permission and access for setting up new trap sites.

Perform quality control/quality assurance for Med/Mex Fly Trappers to ensure trap inspections are following USDA guidelines including completing biannual ride along with all trappers.

Responsible for ensuring all trapping reports for assigned area are completed and submitted in a timely manner and collecting, verifying and submitting monthly trapping reports to the Regional Training Specialist.

Properly maintain any state and/or federal equipment issued, including a federal vehicle and report.

Keep TDA management informed of any issues that may arise within the team and of all issues related to the trapping program.

Represent the agency in a positive manner when dealing with constituents.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

Graduation from a senior high school or the equivalent.

Meeting requirements and performing assigned duties as specified on the Med/Mex Fly Trapper job description for a minimum of three (3) years.

Must have met or exceeded expectations on all performance categories on current evaluation (score of 3.5 or higher).

This position will report to the Harlingen USDA Office*.

Valid Texas driver’s license and an acceptable driving record**.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in a senior, lead or coordinator capacity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of laws, codes, standards, and regulations related to the area of responsibility; TDA and USDA guidelines, policies, procedures, rules and regulations; of the principles and methods of field inspection and quality control; of business practices in regulated occupations and industries; and of the basic rules of evidence.

Skill in conducting inspections; in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; in determining proper courses of action; in using instruments or tools necessary to perform inspections; in using a computer and applicable programs and databases, and in maintaining records and written reports.

Ability to prepare reports; to interpret laws and regulations; to gather and analyze data; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; interact effectively with co-workers, supervisors and the public; to oversee the work of others; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Involves working outdoors and exposure to extremes in temperatures; extensive moving and remaining stationary; walking long distances; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; safely lifting and/or operating equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; safely handling hazardous and/or flammable materials; and exposure to dust. Involves safely operating an assigned TDA or USDA vehicle and driving for long distances; working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed; and daily and overnight travel (75%).

H-1B VISA SPONSORSHIP

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

ü Retirement Plan
ü Paid Group Health & Basic Life Insurance for employees
ü Paid Holidays
ü Paid Vacation Leave
ü Paid Sick Leave
ü Longevity Pay
ü Dental
ü Vision
ü Dependent Optional Life Insurance
ü Voluntary AD&D Insurance
ü Dependent Health & Life Insurance
ü Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

A skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes. Only candidates selected for a skills exercise/interview will be contacted.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

**A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): TDA is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity. TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the military and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7423 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Compliance, Inspection and Investigation MOS Codes.