Insect Survey Laborer

Job Type: Location Type: Not Specified

 

Initial Posting Date:
03/25/2026

Application Deadline:
04/05/2026

Agency:
Department of Agriculture

Salary Range:
$3,515 – $4,124

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:
Insect Survey Laborer

Job Description:

Do you enjoy staying active and working outside? If so, you may be a good fit for our Insect Survey Laborer position. The Plant Protection & Conservation Program Area currently has several positions available.

What you’ll be doing

• As an Insect Survey Laborer, your primary duties include placing, maintaining, and checking insect traps. Most of your day will be spent outdoors, driving and navigating with both paper and electronic maps, working in varying weather conditions, and walking up to eight miles per day. This role involves regular interaction with the public, including residents, landowners, and groundskeepers. You will knock on doors, leave door hangers to request permission for trap placement, maintain positive public relations, answer questions, and provide education about the Japanese beetle eradication project and other pest survey programs.

• You will be responsible for accurately tracking all traps and related information, including exact trap locations, service dates, removal dates, hosts surveyed, and any pest detection. Trap placement data will be entered using software on a state-issued iPhone. Occasional overnight travel may be required to assist with trap placement throughout the territory or support another field office.

• The Insect Survey Laborer is a Temporary full-time position, that covers multiple areas within Washington, Marion County, and Union Counties.

• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancies. This is expected to start May 3rd, 2026, and the season is anticipated to conclude October 1st, 2026.

• For general program information about the Inspect Pest Prevention and Management program see our website

Click here to view a description of this position.

Working conditions
• Duties are performed outdoors and may involve working in adverse or changing weather conditions.
• Must be capable of walking 5-8 miles per day.
• Operate a state-issued vehicle in a safe and professional manner.
• Maintain diplomacy and effective communication when engaging with the public.
• Navigate and plan daily routes using paper and digital mapping tools.
• May be required to contact landowners, industry partners, or other organizations to obtain permission for trap placement or support eradication and biological control operations.
• May need to pass a background check and complete specialized safety or access training for certain restricted locations.

What we’re looking for:

• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of hire.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Key Skills or Desired Attributes
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in field data collection
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in dynamic field conditions
• Professional communication skills for engaging with landowners and the public
• Demonstrated ability to respectfully approach residences and obtain permission for trap placement
• Proficiency with smartphones, GPS units, and digital mapping applications
• Safe and responsible operation of state vehicles under varied driving and weather conditions
• Effective navigation and route-planning capabilities
• Consistent adherence to established protocols, safety standards, and ethical conduct when representing the agency.

Projected Recruitment Timeline

• Recruitment Closes: April 5, 2026
• 1st Round: April 13th – April 17th
• 2nd Round if needed: TBD

• *These dates are approximate and may change. *
• Approximate start date: May 3rd, 2026

How to apply:

Required: A resume is required and is an important part of the application process. All application materials are reviewed by Human Resources, the Hiring Manager, and panel members throughout the recruitment process. Your resume is a key opportunity to speak directly to each decision-maker, highlight your skills and experience, and demonstrate how your qualifications align with the desired attributes for this role.

Upon submitting your application, please be sure to check your Workday account for additional tasks to complete such as questionnaires and to request veteran’s preferences (if applicable).

• Veterans: We value the dedication of Veterans and Oregon National Guard service members! Take advantage of Veterans’ Preference by submitting the required documentation at time of application. The requirements can be found on the Veterans’ Resources page under “Qualifying for Veterans’ Preference.”
• Current state employees – please apply through your employee Workday account.

Learn more about the Oregon Department of Agriculture:

At ODA, employees work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with ensuring healthy natural resources, environment, and economy for Oregonians now and in the future through inspection and certification, regulation, and promotion of agriculture and food. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in ODA’s core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Learn more about what we do here!

What’s in it for you

The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision and dental coverage, paid holidays off, and personal business leave, as well as paid and accrued vacation leave and sick leave. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. More information is available from the Public Employees Benefit Board.

Additional Information:

• Current state employees, please apply through your employee Workday account.

• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials. On average, candidates new to state service will most likely be offered compensation in the lower to mid-level of the salary range.
• Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity. Prior to making a job offer, an internal pay equity assessment will be completed. The successful candidate’s professional experience and education will be compared to the state employee workforce performing work of a comparable character to determine appropriate placement in the salary range. Candidates new to state service typically receive a salary within the first half of the salary range.

NOTE: Please ensure you’ve provided a thorough and updated application as it pertains to the position for which you are applying. Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.

United States Employment Eligibility: The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Employment Department is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate, you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.

Questions/Need Help?

If you have questions about the recruitment or need an accommodation for the recruitment process, please contact mail to: oda.recruitment@oda.oregon.gov or call 503-986-4584.