Entomologist 2

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NOTICE OF JOB VACANCY

TITLE:Entomologist 2

ANNOUNCEMENT #: 29-25

ISSUE DATE: 7/29/25

CLOSING DATE: 8/19/25

SALARY RANGE: $58,817.70 to $85,742.00

LOCATION: Division of Plant Industry, Ewing, NJ 

STATEWIDE TRAVEL IS REQUIRED

[ X ] GENERAL PUBLIC

ELECTRONIC FILING INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates must email a cover letter, including the announcement number, resume and transcripts by the closing date of this Notice of Job Vacancy to njdajobs@ag.nj.gov.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the supervisory official in the Division of Plant Industry, Department of Agriculture’s Beneficial Insect Laboratory (PABIL), this position plans and directs pest surveys to determine the presence and extent of insect pest and the effectiveness of various biological agents as control factors; does related work as required. The position will be primarily based in central and south New Jersey, and it will require driving to various farms, parks and forests to survey, inspect and release biological insect controls. In addition, the release sites will be monitored and documented as needed. The major goal of the position is to reduce plant pest damage in forest and agricultural crops and to protect natural and renewable resources and other open lands through the release of beneficial insects. In collaboration with the beneficial insect laboratory this position is expected to follow protocols and provide reports for the various programs for the biological control of invasive insect pests affecting New Jersey - Mexican bean beetle, tarnished plant bug, and spotted wing drosophila. In addition, PABIL conducts weed control programs for Mile-a-Minute weed Black swallow-wort and invasive knotweeds.

SPECIAL NOTE: This position will be hired PROVISIONALLY PENDING OPEN COMPETITIVE PROCEDURES (PAOC)

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Entomology, or other Plant Science.

NOTE: Applicants who possess a Bachelor's degree in Biology, or Plant Science must have nine (9) semester-hour credits in Entomology included in or supplemented to the degree.

EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of experience in plant pest inspection and control programs and the identification of major injurious insects.

LICENSE: Appointees will have the opportunity to acquire registration as a certified Regulatory Pesticide Applicator from the Department of Environmental Protection during the working test period.

Appointees will be required to qualify for a Federal License to issue Phytosanitary Certificates during the working test period.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

FOREIGN DEGREES: Degrees and/or transcripts issued by a college or university outside of the United States must be

evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at your expense. The evaluation must be included with your submission, and failure to submit the required evaluation may result in an ineligibility determination.

NOTE: All college degrees (both U.S. and non-U.S.) and/or transcripts from a college or university must be evaluated for accreditation by the closing date of this posting. Transcripts must be submitted with a resume. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in ineligibility.

AUTHORIZATION TO WORK:  Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States according to the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations. 

LICENSE: Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

NOTE: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorships for permanent residency to the United States or work visa. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Effective September 1, 2011, NJ PL 70 (NJ First Act), requires all State employees to reside in New Jersey, unless exempted under the law, or current employees who live out-of-state and do not have a break-in service of more than 7 calendar days, as they are "grandfathered."  New employees or current employees who were not grandfathered and who live out-of-state have one year after the date of employment to relocate their residence to New Jersey or request an exemption.  Current employees who reside in NJ must retain NJ residency, unless an exemption is obtained. Employees who fail to meet the residency requirements or obtain an exemption will be removed from employment.

SAME PROGRAM INFORMATION

SAME APPLICANTS: If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted to njdajobs@ag.nj.gov along with your resume, cover letter, announcement number, and transcript (if position has a degree requirement) by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit their website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: CSC-SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at (609) 292-4144, option 3.

BENEFIT(S)*

Pursuant to the State/Department’s policy, procedures and/or guidelines

Statewide benefits include: 

Deferred Compensation 

Health and Life Insurance 

Flexible and Health Savings Accounts (FSA) (HSA) 

Alternate Work Week is available for some positions

Paid Time Off 

State Holidays

Up to $250 in rewards for Wellness Program 

Telework available for some positions

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer