State of Maryland

An Entomologist Advanced Plant Protection is the advanced level of professional specialized work in the field of applied entomology.  The work of this classification normally involves the conduct of surveys, studies, inspections or regulatory activities regarding insect infestation and control.  Employees in this classification recommend appropriate control measures and assist in the implementation and evaluation of control programs, based on an evaluation of the results of such studies.  Employees in this classification coordinate with federal agricultural officials and provide guidance and assistance to local jurisdictions.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions but provide training and guidance to contractual employees and may provide guidance or training to professionals.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from the chief of the Plant Protection program specialty area or other designated administrator.  Employees in this classification are assigned responsibility for the independent performance of entomological projects in the plant protection specialty area of work, usually in an assigned geographical area of the State.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work Sections of the class specification.

The Entomologist Advanced is differentiated from the Entomologist II in that the Entomologist Advanced performs independent entomological projects in specialty areas of work, while the Entomologist II performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.  The Entomologist Advanced is differentiated from the Entomologist Supervisor in that the Entomologist Supervisor has supervisory responsibility for lower-level Entomologists.

Monitors and evaluates insect pest populations in assigned portions of the State to determine economic injury level for control purposes;

Conducts surveys of commercial plant materials to determine population trends of insect pests and diseases;

Conducts special inspections of plants when certification is required by another state or foreign country;

Recommends appropriate insect control measures for ornamental or forest plants grown commercially;

Aids in implementing plant quarantines in assigned areas;

Makes inspections of commercial nurseries, prepares reports of findings and makes recommendations for improved insect control;

Provides liaison and coordination of Departmental programs with the USDA;

Trains professional and technical employees involved in program activities;

May prepare technical reports and papers for presentation to professional groups;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge at the expert level of the various types of insects affecting ornamental plants and fruit trees;

Knowledge of plant quarantine methods and procedures;

Knowledge of plant pathology; of insect taxonomy;

Knowledge of the principles of economic entomology, agronomy and horticulture;

Ability to communicate effectively;

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others;

Ability to effectively apply entomological principles to the solution of practical problems.

Education:   A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Course work must have included a minimum of 21credit hours selected from the subject areas of botany, entomology, horticulture, or plant pathology, at least 15 credit hours of which must have been in the subject area of entomology.

Experience: Three years of experience in applied economic entomology directly related to plant protection.

Notes:

1. Applicants may substitute graduate education in entomology, with specialized work in a field of plant protection, for up to two years of experience at the rate of one year of graduate education to one year of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in entomology classifications or entomology specialty codes in the entomology field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G, Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.