We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership. 

·        The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

·        The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

This position has statewide duties but is primarily responsible for inspections in the southern part of the state.

This position will report to the Tifton office regularly for meetings, training, and other assignments.

Job Summary: Serves As Apiary Inspector:

1.      Serves As Apiary Inspector:

·        Performs apiary inspections to detect honeybee pests/diseases.

·        Participates in yellow-legged hornet detection and eradication activities.

·        Speaks to bee clubs and associations as needed, and provides updates to GDA activities (YLH, pests/diseases, etc.)

·        Provides information, as needed, or requested, to be used in educational or public outreach activities.

2.      Participate in Plant Protection Programs

·        May assist in the training of Agriculture Inspector 1 employees (new hires, new to the program, etc.)

·        May coordinate and schedule inspection activities.

·        May be asked to speak at industry meetings.

·        Inspects live plant growers and dealers (sod farms, nurseries, tree farms, etc.) to ensure compliance with state regulations and proper maintenance of plants. 

·        Verifies compliance with Department-issued agreements and certifications for interstate and international export of plants, fruits, vegetables, etc.

·        Performs state and federal phytosanitary certification inspections as requested.

·        Monitors crops and/or environs for specific agricultural pests.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

1.      Completion of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, biological sciences, or a directly related field. 

2.      Master Beekeeper or at least five (5) years of beekeeping experience. Commercial beekeeping experience desired.

3.      Working knowledge of smartphones and apps as well as Windows computer operating systems and applications.

Physical Demands:

·        Incumbents in this job must work outdoors in varied weather conditions inspecting commercial apiaries.

·        Must be able to lift 50lb boxes (hive bodies).

·        Plant Protection Program inspections will be performed in varied weather conditions and terrain, including plant nurseries, greenhouses, and agricultural production areas for extended periods. 

·        Intermittent periods of walking, squatting, kneeling, and driving.

·        This job requires travel. May be responsible for providing transportation to work sites. 

·        Light office work (sitting / standing) for filing reports.

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates. The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory employment verification results, background, criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY:  Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers:

·        Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to this office's large volume of submissions, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified *