Applications Technician II

The mission of the Plant Industry Division is to ensure seed and fertilizer and other soil additives offered for sale in North Carolina meet prescribed standards and are truthfully labeled, to protect the state’s agriculture and natural environment from introduced plant pests, including insects, diseases, and noxious weeds, and to enhance and protect our state’s endangered and threatened plants.

The Primary job functions of this Position are:

• Provide GIS, GPS, mapping, spatial and tabular data management, and administrative support to organize and coordinate wide-scale field data collection for the Spongy (formerly gypsy) moth trapping and treatment program in North Carolina
• Utilize ESRI GIS Products (ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, Survey123, AGOL), GPS tools (iOS devices) and spatial programming languages (Python and/or ESRI Arcade) to compile, summarize, and analyze complex spatial and tabular datasets. Learn and implement new technologies as needed and train field staff on updated data collection/ mapping protocols.
• Facilitates the accurate dissemination, collection, and processing of Spongy moth traps by planning and organizing North Carolina’s trapping program across the state under the direction of the Spongy Moth Program Manager. This involves training of approximately 50 personnel and contractors, along with providing ongoing technical and administrative support.
• Maintaining the integrity of data collection and the creation of maps and tables used by the Spongy Moth Program Manager in the analysis and planning resulting from that data.
• Maintaining and distributing data collection equipment (such as iPads) and providing support related to its use.
• Provides mapping and data collection support to other programs and activities within the Plant Industry Division, including Weed Regulatory Services, Entomological Programs, Plant Pathology, Apiary Services, and Seed and Fertilizer Inspection.

The person in this position must stay abreast of changing technology as it relates to the evolving use of devices for data collection and data analysis and effectively implement changes, both within the program and with field personnel.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $56,772 - $ 65,000

Do you have experience in iOS?, Do you have a High school diploma or GED?, * Knowledge of ESRI GIS products (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, Survey123, AGOL) or GPS tools (e.g., tablets, mobile devices, mapping data entry equipment) or spatial programming languages (e.g., Python, ESRI Arcade) .

• Ability to review, understand, and resolve complex technical issues and provide technical support remotely to field data collectors to ensure accurate and timely completion of field work.
• Ability to learn and implement new technologies and prepare and train field data collectors on updated mapping/ data collection protocols.
• Ability to organize and coordinate wide-scale field data collection and establish effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form to staff, field data collectors, or the public to explain activities and procedures., All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot’s License or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver’s License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position., Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Associate degree in Computer Science or an IT related field;or High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two years of experience in the field of technology related to the position’s role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.