Entomology Technician (Forest Inventory/Survey) - 5946 - Augusta area

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

ENTOMOLOGY TECHNICIAN

(FOREST INVENTORY/SURVEY)

Opening Date:

April 08, 2025

Closing Date:

April 23, 2025

Location:

Augusta area

Position #:

01715-5946

Position Type:

Full Time 

Class Code:

9403

Grade/Salary:

Grade 15 - $18.32 - $24.97 Per Hour*
*(This includes the 7.5% Salary Adjustment)

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is accepting applications to fill an Entomology Technician position in the Bureau of Forestry, Forest Health and Monitoring Division, based within the Augusta area.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This is technical services work that will primarily collect basic forest inventory/resource data on permanent forest inventory plots and locate selected points on the ground; collect plot and tree measurements; identify all woody vegetation on selected plots; classify stands according to forest type, age, site index and various land use classes; etc. This position will work on a limited basis with other staff to help with detection, evaluation, and occasionally on impact assessment of entomological/pathological problems. Work is performed in the field under a variety of adverse conditions, including walking several miles per day over varied terrain with a backpack weighing up to 35 pounds. Field work may include urban, suburban, rural, and remote locations. Working alone in remote locations is required for certain tasks. Statewide travel is required. Work is performed under limited supervision.

The following tasks are the primary duties of this position:

• Establish temporary and permanent ground plots and collect data from these plots to assess land use conditions. In forested and urban forest areas: characterize conditions including composition, size, regeneration, quality, crown health and damage levels, etc.
• Collect field data with Portable Data Recorders, Global Positioning System Receivers, iPad Tablet, and Personal Digital Assistants. Keypunching field data collected into Desktop/Laptop Computers.
• Oversee daily activities of seasonal employees engaged in collecting field plot data.
• Maintain a record keeping system for plot data, maps, and land ownership.

On a limited basis this position may assist insect and disease staff to:

• Survey areas in order to detect, monitor and delineate forest insect and disease infestation.
• Identify insects and diseases in the field and collect and summarize field and lab data to facilitate report preparations.
• Map infested areas and proposed control areas in order to identify problem limits geographically.
• Respond to landowner/manager and homeowner requests for assistance to identify and control insects and diseases. 
• Inspect sites and goods for quarantine regulatory purposes to prevent contamination or spread of insects and diseases.

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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Within the first twelve months of employment, the selected candidate must receive training in forest inventory/health field procedures for collecting data and must take and pass a written and practical field test meeting quality control and assurance standards to become certified by the US Forest Service. 

Must possess or be able to obtain a valid 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 a current Resume before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marqua