Plant Pathologist

THE POSITION
If you have experience in plant disease diagnostics and are interested in protecting agriculture and natural resources, this position may be for you! The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has an immediate need for a Plant Pathologist within the Plant Protection Division. Apply today and become a vital part of our dedicated team!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will be responsible for conducting applied research and offering diagnostic laboratory services related to plant inspection, certification, and disease survey initiatives. Additionally, you will take on the role of program leader for at least one key component of the Plant Pathology program, which may include areas such as nematology, virology, mycology, or bacteriology. Your duties will also involve the implementation of established methods and techniques for the collection of samples and the identification of plant pathogens.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employmentWork hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 2 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:Two years as a Plant Industry Lab Technician (commonwealth title): orTwo years of professional laboratory experience diagnosing plant diseases, and a bachelor's degree in agricultural studies, botany, horticulture, environmental science, microbiology, or a related field that includes 15 college credits in plant sciences; orAn equivalent combination of experience and training that includes fifteen college credits in plant sciences.
Other Requirements:PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.Failure to comply with the above application requirements will eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
• your score may be lower than deserved.
• you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.