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TDA - Intern - Field Operations - Region 5 (58161)

Texas Department of Agriculture, San Juan, TX, United States


WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Field Operations Intern will assist in conducting a variety of agricultural inspections administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and develop and/or disseminate education and outreach to contribute to the enforcement of agriculture laws and regulations for consumer protection in the State of Texas. You will work under close supervision with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The primary responsibilities include:

Assist in conducting a variety of inspections administered by TDA (including inspecting nursery plants, trees and shrubs for disease and insects)

Inspect nursery stock and agricultural commodities leaving or entering the state and issue phytosanitary certificates

Inspect pesticide licensees to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations

Monitor and enforce quarantines that may include the sweet potato weevil, fire ant, Japanese beetle, gypsy moth, etc.

Draw samples of pesticides for official analyses

Collect and remit fees to include licensing and late fees

Issue stop sales orders, notices of seizure inspections and certificates of inspections for quarantine compliance

Monitor compliance with the Texas Right-to-Know Law and Federal Worker Protection Standards, which involves providing education to agricultural producers, farm laborers, schools, medical and other emergency staff regarding the effects of and treatment for improper pesticide use

Conduct compliance inspections of pesticide dealers and records of pesticide distribution

Conduct pesticide use observations

Collect and ship food commodity samples for the food safety program

Inspect a variety of records for structural pest control commercial and noncommercial businesses

Conduct various quarantine inspections

Complete accurate, detailed reports related to inspections, travel vouchers and mileage reports; complete various weekly and end-of-month reports.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for the position, applicants must submit a State of Texas Application through CAPPS or WIT and experience listed on the application and/or resume must state how each of the following qualifications are met:

Enrollment in a college, university, or graduate program or a recent graduate with a minimum grade point average of 3.0*.

Completion of at least 60 credit hours.

Must reside in Cameron or Hidalgo County.

Required to travel up to 60% of the work period.

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of office procedures; of spelling, punctuation, and grammar; and of business or program terminology, methods, and procedures.

Skill in the use of a computer and office equipment; and providing custom service excellence to both internal and external customers.

Ability to prepare and maintain records, files, and reports; to transfer stock from one location to another; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and exercise sound judgment and discretion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS

Requires working outdoors and exposure to extremes in temperatures (including high-low temperature changes and variable climatic conditions such as rain, fog, dust, fumes, gases, and odors).

Extensive moving and remaining stationary; walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; safely lifting and/or carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds; slippery and uneven walking surfaces operating heavy equipment/machinery; safely handling hazardous and/or flammable materials; exposure to live insects and animals; and exposure to dust.

Requires wearing protective clothing and safety equipment, including a half-face respirator when necessary.

Involves safely operating a TDA vehicle and driving for long distances. May involve travel (up to 60%*), occasionally overnight.

H-1B VISA SPONSORSHIP
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

BENEFITS

Retirement Plan

Paid Group Health Life Insurance for employees

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation Leave

Paid Sick Leave

Longevity Pay

Dental

Vision

Dependent Optional Life Insurance

Voluntary ADD Insurance

Dependent Health Life Insurance

Health Dependent care flexible spending accounts

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.

BACKGROUND CHECKS
A criminal conviction records check is required for applicants who are selected for a position.

FOREIGN CREDENTIALS
Upload an evaluation of your coursework if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside of the United States; otherwise, we cannot give you credit for your degree. Some organizations that provide evaluation services are:

Foreign Credential Services of America – 1910 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 78757-2411 – Phone: 512-459-8428

SpanTran: The Evaluation Company – 2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451 Houston, TX 77057 – Phone: 713-266-8805

Global Credential Evaluators, Inc. – P.O. Box 9203 College Station, TX 77842 – Phone: 512-528-0908

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