Address: Office of Plant Services / Entomology Department
1110 W. Washington Street #450 Phoenix AZ 85007

Salary: 27.14 - 27.14

Grade: 20

Closing Date: 02/05/2026

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an Assistant Entomologist (Public Health Scientist) for the Office of Plant Services. The duty post for this position is located at 1110 W. Washington Avenue Phoenix Arizona.

The Department of Agricultures Plant Services Section safeguards agriculture food and the environment from the risks associated with the entry establishment and spread of plant pests diseases and noxious weeds thereby promoting agricultural sustainability market access and competitiveness.

Using state-of-the-art technical equipment including performance graphics-enabled computers high resolution digital cameras compound and dissection microscopes and complex scientific literature the position of Assistant Entomologist is primarily responsible for the correct determination of insect and other arthropod samples submitted to the Entomology Section from the divisions survey inspection and regulatory branches. Another important focus of the position is to work with the Entomologist and advise the divisions Associate Director on scientific matters as they pertain to pest biology and economic impact. Additionally the position is charged with assisting in maintaining both a digital and printed reference library as well as assisting in the development and maintenance of digital and actual pest reference collection and training materials needed for comparative determinations.

Job duties to include but limited to:

Correct and timely screening identification and risk assessment of samples submitted to the section from the divisions survey inspection and regulatory branches. These analyses and determinations are integral to EPSDs ability to safeguard the states agriculture and horticultural industries food production and the environment from the establishment and spread of harmful plant pests while promoting agricultural sustainability and market access in a national and global context.
Assist in developing pest ID training materials for the divisions regulatory inspectors so they can carry out their assigned duties more effectively.
Research and study technical scientific reports regarding pest biology and the agricultural impact looking into emerging potential emerging pest pressures.
Assist the Entomologist in the development of outreach material for stakeholders customers and the general public to be used on the agencies expanding social media and public representation.
Driving a State vehicle as needed to carry out assigned duties including inspection and survey projects training programs and participation in regional conferences and seminars.
Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Knowledge of science and scientific procedures entomology invertebrate systematics biology and evolution; invertebrate pest epidemiology; advanced microscope computer and digital imaging systems; of Federal and State regulations and quarantines principles and practices.

SKILLS IN:
Skills in verbal and written communication and report production; developing and using advanced computer databases spreadsheets and other office and/or scientifically related software and hardware; effective instructional techniques and procedures; in preparing samples for analysis; operating maintaining and calibrating specialized microscope and digital imaging systems; in efficient workload organization.

ABILITY TO:
Ability to establish and maintain an effective and productive working relationship with co-workers and management in a team setting; to research organize and analyze and then interpret scientific research as it relates to regulatory entomology. Drive state vehicle.

A combination of experience knowledge and skills relating to invertebrate taxonomy laboratory skills chemical safety and plant pathology.

Arizona Drivers License
B.S in a Biological field

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business then the following requirements apply:Drivers License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Agriculture offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance deferred compensation plans and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). ASRS is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statue. Current contribution rate is 12.00%. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Melissa Meek at for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.