Forest Pest (Spongy Moth) Surveyors

Working Title: Forest Pest (Spongy Moth) Surveyor Job Class: Agricultural Technician Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture Job ID: 91599 Location: Various (see county list below/job post on State of MN Careers website has a map image showing the areas being surveyed) Telework/Remote Work Eligible: Yes Full/Part Time: Intermittent (full-time work during trap placement and removal w/unpaid leave in between; more details are in the Job Summary) Regular/Temporary: Temporary Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers. Date Posted: 01/30/2026 Closing Date: 03/02/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture Division/Unit: Plant Protection Division / Plant Pest Mitigation & Regulatory Response Section / Spongy Moth Unit Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 7:00am - 5:30pm Days of Work: Monday - Thursday Travel Required: Yes - travel daily within route, return to home office daily Salary Range: $20.51/hour Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Non-Represented Employee's Compensation Plan Start Date: Southern Region: 05/26/2026; Northern Region: 06/09/2026 Anticipated End Date: Southern Region: 09/01/2026; Northern Region: 10/08/2026 FLSA Status: Nonexempt Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No Job Summary: This announcement will be used to fill approximately 20 Forest Pest Surveyor positions for the MDA s annual Spongy Moth Trapping Survey. Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar) is a human nuisance and a serious threat to Minnesota s forests and urban trees and shrubs. Once established, the caterpillars cause costly and extensive defoliation damage during outbreaks. The trapping survey will allow us to detect and monitor for the pest early on, identify potential problem areas, and provide data necessary to make future management decisions to slow the spread of this invasive insect into the State of Minnesota. Job duties include assembling, placing, inspecting and removing up to 800 cardboard detection traps. Surveyors will each be assigned a route that is reasonably accessible from their home office location (where they live). Surveyors collect data using a GPS-enabled tablet (training provided) and report daily to a lead worker. A reliable vehicle is necessary for driving survey routes. Mileage is reimbursed at the current Federal mileage reimbursement rate. Surveyors in select routes may instead be issued a rental or State fleet vehicle to complete all survey work for the season. Please include your FULL PHYSICAL ADDRESS in your application. Check to see that your profile address is current and correct. If submitting a resume that has a different address than your profile has, please indicate which location you would like to be considered for. Your location(s) will be geocoded to see which route you are located in or within reasonable proximity to. The majority of the positions filled will be designated as remote worker positions which is defined as, an employee who, as a condition of their appointment, has their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, works permanently from that location, and does not have an agency permanent/principal work location. Currently the MDA does not allow remote work locations outside of the State of Minnesota. However, applicants in WI or IA that are located relatively close to the MN survey project area will be considered. For more information refer to HR/LR Policy #1447 Remote Worker Policy: These are intermittent positions, which means survey staff work when we need them to. -We need survey staff working full time during the trap placement and trap removal periods (time frames listed below). -There will be unpaid leave between the trap placement and removal periods. Workdays will typically be Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. -Southern Region : There will be approximately 1total weeks of employment over a 16-week period (approx. 5 weeks of unpaid leave midseason). -Northern Region : There will be approximately 13 total weeks of employment over a 20-week period (approx. 7 weeks of unpaid leave midseason). Mandatory Trainings (first two days virtual; last day in-person): -Southern Region : May 26 - 28, 2026 -Northern Region : June 9 - 11, 2026 Trap Placement: -Southern Region : May 29 - July 2, 2026 -Northern Region : June 15 July 22, 2026 Midseason: unpaid leave (per intermittent status) Trap Removal: -Southern Region : August 12 September 1, 2026 -Northern Region : September 14 - October 8, 2026 End dates (approximate): -Southern Region : September 1, 2026 -Northern Region : October 8, 2026 Counties where seeking applicants: Aitkin, Anoka, S. Becker, S.E. Beltrami, Benton, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, N.E. Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Koochiching, Le Sueur, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Ottertail, Pine, Ramsey, Renville, Rice, St. Louis, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Stearns, Steele, Todd, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Winona, Wright Application Details: How to Apply Go to apply (search for "spongy moth") If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to Contact If you have questions about the position, contact Natasha Northrop at [email protected], 651-201-6692 (office) or 651-341-6158 (cell; texts accepted). About Minnesota Department of Agriculture The MDA's mission is to enhance Minnesotans' quality of life by ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment and the strength of our agricultural economy. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? - A sense of purpose in their work - Connection with their coworkers and communities - Working together to improve the state we love. - Connection with their coworkers and communities - Opportunities for personal and professional growth The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law. APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.