PLANT DISEASE SPECIALIST

15

Maryland Department of Agricultural, Headquarters

50 Harry S Truman Pkwy.

Annapolis, MD 21401

To implement scientific and technical programs in the area of plant pathology which support programs intended to safeguard plant health and the quality of plant resources in Maryland. Assist in the enforcement of the Plant Disease Control Law.

Operate the Plant Pathology Laboratory and run a plant disease clinic to diagnose and provide timely and accurate results and recommendations for plant pest, disease and horticultural problems from plant and soil samples submitted by nursery inspectors, private industry, the public and other clients.  This involves performing microscopic observations, diagnostic assays, supervising and teaching seasonal laboratory technicians, maintaining a safe work environment and basic laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance.

Conduct disease inspections in the field and analyses in the laboratory to support regulatory events and suspected disease outbreaks.

Provide expertise and training internally for current and emerging plant diseases.  Prepare and present technical reports, papers and seminars on plant diseases, disease control, and State and Departmental regulatory policies to external audiences such as grower associations and others in the horticultural industries..

Determine the need for and conduct statewide field surveys to monitor and evaluate plant diseases in the State.  Perform scientific review of permit applications to move live plant pests, noxious weeks and regulated plants or products into Maryland.

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.

Preferred:
Experience performing laboratory test on plant disease using the following methods: ELISA, PCR, Culturing Plant Pathogens or Extractions of organisms from soil.

Experience with state and federal regulations that relates to identification and management of disease that affect the health of plants.

Experience interacting with the public by communicating recommendations for disease control.

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture  Human Resource Office, Room 304  50 Harry S. Truman Parkway  Annapolis, MD  21401.

If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.  If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).  All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Kathleen Newhouse at 410-841-5837 or         Kathleen.Newhouse2@maryland.gov.