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-Agency Only- Entomology Technician (Invasive Species Monitoring) - 6192 (Seasonal - 28 Weeks)

Augusta , Maine , United States | Animal and Plant Health | Full-time

Apply by: Oct. 28, 2024

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ENTOMOLOGY TECHNICIAN

-AGENCY ONLY-

Opening Date:October 15, 2024Closing Date:October 28, 2024

Location:AugustaPosition #:01715-6192

Position Type:Seasonal Full Time - 28 WeeksClass Code:9403

Grade/Salary: Grade 15 - $18.32 - $24.97 Per Hour*

*(This includes the 7.5% Market Pay Salary Adjustment)

The Division of Animal and Plant Health currently has a vacancy for a Seasonal Full Time Entomology Technician in Augusta.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION:The Division of Animal and Plant Health Program is seeking a qualified candidate to assist with the duties of the Invasive Species Monitoring Program. Primary duties include planning, organizing, and conducting plant pest surveys according to State Survey Coordinator's (SSC) work plans and guidance, collecting and processing samples from plant pest surveys according to SSC's guidance, identify target specimens in the field or collecting from the field, and prepare for official confirmation, carefully maintain and organize data in spreadsheets, databases or geographic information systems (GIS), maintain and organize field equipment and trapping supplies, including taking annual inventory, assist SSC with outreach and education of target pests and invasive species, communicate with the public and stakeholders about pest detection activities and other invasive species work that the program is involved with, perform visual inspections of plants to assist with other health of forest ecosystems or tree species through the implementation of management actions to prevent introduction, spread, or damage; detect introduced and/or established invasive species and their spread; and respond to infestations of invasive forest insects, worms, pathogens, and plants, as assigned, and provide assistance to other Animal and Plant Health programs. This position will be primarily based in Augusta, Maine, and regular statewide travel is required. Some overnight travel may also be required. This position will start immediately.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:A three (3) year combination of training, education, and/or experience in basic technical field or laboratory entomology, pathology, forestry, or related work.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of insect life stages and insect orders.

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and techniques.

• Knowledge of plant pests and invasive species concepts.

• Ability to work cooperatively with other pest detection partners (e.g. Maine Forest Service, University of Maine Cooperative Extension).

• Ability to assemble and operate insect traps and other surveillance equipment (e.g. binoculars).

• Ability to collect and organize data and keep accurate records.

• Ability to work outdoors and be prepared for inclement weather.

• Ability to adapt to schedule changes and shifting priorities.

• Ability to utilize and read various types of maps.

• Ability to identify plants and trees in Maine.

• Ability to receive, implement, and communicate verbal and written instructions and technical information.

• Ability to write reports concerning work progress and results.

Special Requirements:Must possess a valid Class C State of Maine driver's license.

HOW TO APPLY:Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter and a current Resume.In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here:https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter and Resume,before the closing date,to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave.Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value).

• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

• Learn aboutadditional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.