State of Maryland

A Plant Disease Specialist is the full performance level of work providing technical and scientific expertise in the area of plant pathology to farmers, nurserymen, inspectors and others in the recognition of plant diseases and the use of proper control techniques.  Employees in this classification perform work that involves diagnosing plant disease problems, making recommendations on plant disease control methods, and conducting plant regulatory activities.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions but may give guidance and direction to lower-level Scientists or technicians.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Plant Disease Specialist Supervisor, higher-level Entomologist, Program Manager or Administrator.  The work is performed in the office, in a laboratory setting, and in the outdoors where employees may be exposed to extremes in weather temperatures, to biting insects, and to pesticides.  Employees are required to observe precautions in order to minimize exposure of hazardous chemicals in the laboratory.  The work may require lifting potted plants and walking over uneven terrain for distances of more than one mile through fields, brush or woods.

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 Plant Disease Specialist is differentiated from the Plant Disease Specialist Supervisor in that the Plant Disease Specialist performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision while the Plant Disease Supervisor has  supervisory responsibility for Plant Disease Specialists and may supervise other lower-level Scientists or technicians.

Monitors and evaluates plant diseases to determine economic injury level for control purposes and to determine trends;

Detects, diagnoses, and recommends methods for controlling diseases of field crops, forage crops, fruit crops, ornamentals, and timber;

Detects plant diseases of quarantine significance and enforces plant disease quarantine;

Provides technical guidance and direction to greenhouses, diagnostic laboratories, and programs concerned with plant diseases;

Provides assistance to programs in the management of plant diseases by developing and implementing plant virus indexing programs and a variety of plant disease surveillance, control and quarantine programs;

Liaisons with USDA and other state regulatory agencies concerning plant disease situations of a regulatory nature;

Provides technical training and guidance to farmers, nurserymen, inspectors and others in the recognition of plant diseases and the use of proper control techniques;

Cooperates with representatives of other states or federal agencies in conducting special surveys, investigations or plant regulatory activities;

Makes regulatory decisions concerning laboratory or field research with plant pathogens and with the movement or release of plant pathogens into the environment;

Identifies plant diseases in and out of a laboratory setting;

Addresses the general public and professional audiences concerning plant diseases and other related areas;

May give guidance and direction to lower-level scientists or technicians;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of plant diseases, disease control, plant quarantine regulations, and pesticide regulations;

Knowledge of entomology, pesticide use, pest control, basic agronomic and horticultural principles;

Ability to accurately diagnose plant diseases and suggest appropriate control measures;

Ability to make accurate determinations based on observation and study results in accordance with applicable rules, guidelines, and scientific standards;

Ability to communicate effectively;

Ability to resolve confrontational issues;

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships;

Ability to follow instructions;

Ability to prepare forms, documents, and reports.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree in a biological science from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Two years of experience in the area of plant pathology, botany, or related discipline performing work in the diagnosis and control of plant disease.

Notes: 

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree in Plant Pathology or related degree from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree in Plant Pathology or related degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in plant pathology classifications or plant pathology specialty codes in the medical technologist field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

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.