Duties Description The incumbent will be responsible for enforcing state and Federal pesticide laws and regulations. Specific duties will include investigating reported cases of pesticide misuse and pesticide-related incidents to substantiate and document violations of pesticide laws, and rules and regulations; inspecting registered pesticide businesses, registered pesticide agencies, and pesticide applicators; conducting pesticide use observations for agricultural and non-agricultural pesticide applications, which would include the inspection of pesticide storage areas and pesticide application equipment; inspecting pesticide distributors, and establishments selling pesticides to ensure compliance with State and federal pesticide laws, and rules and regulations; conducting inspections of agricultural growers to determine compliance with the Federal Worker Protection Standard; reviewing and issuing purchase permits; conducting inspections to verify compliance with aquatic permit conditions; monitoring and evaluating pesticide applicator and recertification training programs; conducting pesticide certification and recertification training; reviewing pesticide applicator eligibility and proctoring certification examinations; providing pesticide-related outreach and assistance; communicating effectively using verbal and written communication skills; interacting in an effective and professional manner with the public, the regulated community, coworkers, and federal, state, and local entities; and managing information in databases and spreadsheets.
Essential Functions:
Must be highly motivated and able to problem-solve and make decisions. Must be organized and able to effectively manage multiple tasks and requests for technical assistance.
Must possess good verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to prepare and orally present information, while presenting a professional public image. Experience with presentations and utilizing software for presentations is necessary.
Must be able to research, interpret and apply environmental laws, regulations, and guidance. Must have good interpersonal and communication skills. Must be able to get along well with co-workers, supervisors, and supervisory staff. Must answer telephones and emails promptly and professionally. Must have a working knowledge of and be able to manage information in databases and spreadsheets. Must participate in annual personal and professional development training.
Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Pesticide Control Specialist Trainee 1, SG-NS:
A bachelor's degree in agriculture, agronomy, agricultural science, animal science, aquatic biology, biochemistry, biology, botany, chemistry, ecology, ecosystem management, engineering, engineering technology, entomology, environmental biology, environmental education, environmental education and interpretation, environmental health, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, forest biology, forest science, forestry, geochemistry, geology, horticulture, marine biology, marine science, microbiology, natural resources, natural science, physical science, plant pathology, urban forestry, wildlife biology or zoology.
Pesticide Control Specialist Trainee 2, SG-NS:
A bachelor's degree in agriculture, agronomy, agricultural science, animal science, aquatic biology, biochemistry, biology, botany, chemistry, ecology, ecosystem management, engineering, engineering technology, entomology, environmental biology, environmental education, environmental education and interpretation, environmental health, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, forest biology, forest science, forestry, geochemistry, geology, horticulture, marine biology, marine science, microbiology, natural resources, natural science, physical science, plant pathology, urban forestry, wildlife biology or zoology and one year* of experience as a certified private or commercial pesticide applicator, with responsibility for reading and comprehending pesticide label requirements; mixing, loading, handling, and applying pesticides; selecting and recommending use of specific pesticides, calibrating pesticide application equipment, storing, and disposing of pesticides and pesticide containers; maintaining pesticide use records; and complying with all State and federal pesticide regulations. Must also be certified as a pesticide applicator.
- A Juris Doctor, master's or higher degree in a related field can substitute for one year of specialized experience.
Pesticide Control Specialist 1, SG- 18:
A bachelor's degree in agriculture, agronomy, agricultural science, animal science, aquatic biology, biochemistry, biology, botany, chemistry, ecology, ecosystem management, engineering, engineering technology, entomology, environmental biology, environmental education, environmental education and interpretation, environmental health, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, forest biology, forest science, forestry, geochemistry, geology, horticulture, marine biology, marine science, microbiology, natural resources, natural science, physical science, plant pathology, urban forestry, wildlife biology or zoology and two years* of experience as a certified private or commercial pesticide applicator, with responsibility for reading and comprehending pesticide label requirements; mixing, loading, handling, and applying pesticides; selecting and recommending use of specific pesticides, calibrating pesticide application equipment, storing, and disposing of pesticides and pesticide containers; maintaining pesticide use records; and complying with all State and federal pesticide regulations. Must also be certified as a pesticide applicator.
- A Juris Doctor, master's or higher degree in a related field can substitute for one year of specialized experience.
Candidates may also be eligible via the following:
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC.
Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title or a title approved for transfer as noted below on a permanent competitive basis.
Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service in a title that has been approved for transfer in accordance with Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law. A comprehensive list of titles approved for transfer is available on the Department of Civil Service’s GOT-IT webpage (https://careermobilityoffice.cs.ny.gov/cmo/gotit/).
55-b/55-c Appointment – Must meet minimum qualifications listed above. Please note that if applying under the 55-b/55-c program, candidates must include with their resume or application a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55-b/55-c program.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in remote areas.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.
Must successfully complete (or have completed) the 40-hour OSHA 1910.120 training course and all other required training.
Must complete an annual Health and Safety Program including medical monitoring, fit testing, and 40 (or 8) hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, will be discussed at interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
- Holiday & Paid Time Off
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
- Shift & Geographic pay differentials
- Affordable Health Care options
- Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
- NYS Deferred Compensation plan
- Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
- And many more...
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email:
[email protected].
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
