Natural resource inspector

Full job description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

About the DNR Entomology and Plant Pathology Division :

The DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology works with a wide range of cooperators and stakeholders including the United States Department of Agriculture, landowners, Purdue University, other states, and various state and local government agencies to develop programs and to protect our state resources from invasive species and other harmful pests.

Role Overview :

As the Natural Resource Inspector, you will be responsible for conducting field inspections to verify and ensure compliance with state and federal laws pertaining to your area of responsibility. In this position, you will be responsible for performing inspections and regulatory actions involving the public, private citizens, commercial establishments, and others subject to the laws of Indiana. In addition, the inspector provides public outreach to meet division goals of educating members of the public on their environment. You may supervise other field personnel. The Natural Resources Inspector works closely with USDA-APHIS-PPQ and Purdue University to manage compliance with USDA and state quarantines of spongy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, spotted lanternfly and other regulated exotic pests. Inspectors are required to routinely visit and/or perform inspections and work in field locations that might include commercial plant nurseries, greenhouses, agricultural crop fields, rough terrain, wooded areas, and other locations. This role also performs administrative duties from their assigned office location. Inspectors are frequently required to make decisions on varied and complex matters while serving the best interests of the division, the public, and the State of Indiana. The Inspector works within established division and department guidelines making judgments based on policy, procedure, codes, statutes, laws, and knowledge of operation relating to mission goals and objectives. The functional aspects of the job require the ability to drive long periods of time, and to walk through uneven and unfinished terrain in all types of weather including rain and snow, etc., while conducting inspections or other assigned regulatory functions. You will have a primary geographical area of responsibility but will work with team members throughout the state as needed.

Salary Statement :

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Perform field inspections and follow-up inspections to determine compliance with applicable state and federal laws and complete inspections reports.
• Make recommendations on changes to rules and policies.
• Gather evidence for investigations, initiate violation investigation files while cooperating with appropriate personnel, and prepare notices of violation.
• Assess the impacts of violations and makes recommendations needed to mitigate a violation.
• Perform public outreach including in person and online events as well as creation of educational literature and articles. Public speaking may be required.
• Interpret and enforce laws, regulations, and policies.
• Provide compliance assistance and advice.
• Work with department legal staff as expert witness and prepare evidence for litigation.
• Develop guidelines and procedures to implement complex regulations.
• Respond to emergency situations and coordinate actions with other local, state, and federal agencies.
• Maintain computer database on assigned data.

Additional Essential Functions for Entomology Inspectors

• Perform field inspections and follow-up inspections to determine compliance with the plant nursery and raw commodity cleanliness standards of state (IC 14-24) and federal laws and complete inspections reports.
• Conduct surveys for invasive pests and pathogens.
• Conduct inspections for the apiary industry and hobbyists.
• Assist with invasive species management projects.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

• Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural, natural resources, forestry, horticulture, weed science, entomology, apiculture, plant pathology, botany, landscape architecture, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of work experience in a position with similar responsibilities may substitute for the education requirement.
• Valid Indiana Driver's License required. Must be willing to travel with reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to write comprehensive reports in a clear and concise manner. The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate a computer, division provided software, and work specific equipment.
• Ability to prepare documents for administrative and regulatory action.
• Ability to organize and conduct on-site inspections and investigations.
• Ability to apply regulations to the specific situation, draw conclusions and make recommendations.
• Ability to coordinate and interpret complex technical data.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the division director, colleagues, and the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, other governmental employees, and local officials
• Exceptional tact and diplomacy in working with people.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid new parent leave
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at .

The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.