TDA - RG 5 - Med/Mex Fly Trapper (58348)

MED/MEX FLY TRAPPER

Salary Information:      $3,612.33/MO. – B11

State Classification:    Inspector I - 1321

FLSA Status:                Nonexempt

Posting Number:          25-58348-1R

Location:                       McAllen, TX*

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at 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

The Med/Mex Fly Trapper will perform entry-level inspection work. You will establish, maintain, and inspect insect detection traps in an effort to establish the presence of Mediterranean or Mexican fruit flies or other types of plant pests of concern, 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 report your daily activities to the Lead MedMex Fly Trapper. You will work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish and maintain insect detection traps in appropriate positions and at proper densities near citrus trees in an effort to trap Mediterranean fruit flies and/or Mexican fruit flies and other types of plant pests, as assigned.

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

Inspect and maintain insect detection traps daily for the presence of Med/Mex flies in compliance with USDA and TDA guidelines. Plot (map) the locations of traps and update the mapping records each time the trap sites are inspected. 

Prepare daily and weekly reports on the conditions of insect detection traps and trap sites, the number and locations of traps inspected each day, required JOT forms and submit reports to the appropriate USDA and TDA staff.

Properly maintain any state and/or federal equipment issued, including a federal vehicle, and report any issues to your immediate supervisor.

Complete accurate, detailed reports related to trappings; complete various weekly and end-of-month reports; and prepare a variety of required correspondence.

Conduct thorough trappings and complete all related reports with data integrity.

Coordinate and ensure that the Lead Med/Mex Fly Trapper and Regional Management are kept informed of issues related to trapping. Work with the Lead Med/Mex Fly Trapper and Regional Management in adjusting assigned routes to ensure all routes are covered in the most safe and efficient manner. 

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION (The application must state how each of the following qualifications are met Resumes do not take the place of the required state of Texas application which must be completed in CAPPS or WIT.)

Graduation from high school or the equivalent.

Work experience trapping (Mediterranean fruit flies and/or Mexican fruit flies or other types of plant pests).

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

*This position will report to the McAllen USDA Office.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Agricultural background or experience.

Bilingual speaking and writing ability in English and Spanish.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of USDA guidelines, policies, procedures, rules and regulations; the principles and methods of field inspection and quality control; and business practices in regulated occupations and industries

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

Ability to prepare reports, gather and analyze data; prepare and read maps; plan, organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires extensive work outdoors and exposure to extremes temperatures and humidity; extensive moving and remaining stationary; walking and  standing for extended periods; slippery and uneven walking surfaces; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; reaching overhead/above the shoulder; safely lifting and/or operating equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; safely handling hazardous and/or flammable materials; exposure to live insects and animals; and exposure to dust.  Requires 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 (up to 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 & 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

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview. 

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. 

Reasonable Accommodations: If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview or an HR representative at 512-463-7423.  Whenever possible, please give the hiring or HR representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

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 veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 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.