JOB TITLE: PESTICIDE SPECIALIST

JOB CODE: 51512

DEFINITION: This is professional work involving the certification, education, enforcement, environmental impact, and registration of pesticides and their associated programs.

An employee in this job performs professional specialized duties in one or more program areas, such as pesticide certification, enforcement, product registration, environmental issues, and integrated pest management (IPM). Work involves developing educational and safety programs for pesticide applicators, manufacturers, and the general public about pesticide applications and IPM; managing statewide environmental programs; and implementing policies, procedures, and guidelines for the regulation of pesticides. Work includes directing or investigating pesticide-related incidents, recommending action including the issuance of penalties, and monitoring settlements. Work also involves administering grants and contracts; reviewing pesticide product registrations; evaluating laboratory reports; planning and developing training; and assisting staff in pesticide and IPM program duties. Work is performed independently and reviewed by an administrative supervisor through conferences and reports to determine program effectiveness and conformance to legal requirements.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Develops proposed regulations, policies, and guidelines for the distribution, registration, sale, storage, transportation, and use of pesticides.

• Develops and implements statewide programs related to environmental pesticide issues, to include best management practices and state management plans for pesticides in groundwater.

• Administers the pesticide certification program, including the certification and licensing of pesticide applicators and businesses.

• Evaluates laboratory pesticide sample analysis reports to ensure the products tested meet the PA Pesticide Control Act requirements.

• Investigates pesticide-related incidents, prepares investigative reports and recommends penalties for violators, and monitors penalty settlements on any violations of the PA Pesticide Control Act.

• Develops and implements procedures to fulfill federal EPA grant commitments by determining the numbers and types of inspections and samples needed from regional field staff.

• Administers registration of pesticide products, suspends or cancels registrations, and approves label modifications as required.

• Develops educational materials for training purposes, press releases, fact sheets, displays, and presentations.

• Works with school district personnel to develop, refine, and implement IPM programs.

• Works with the agronomic, greenhouse, nursery, and pest control industries to develop and implement pest management programs for general pest control and conduct training and research.

• Assists with the development of contracts for services with vendors.

• Maintains and distributes the PA Pesticide Hypersensitivity Registry.

• Represents the bureau at national meetings, conferences, and on advisory committees.

• Evaluates scientific research data and technical information.

• Maintains program databases.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of federal and state statutes and regulations related to pesticide control.

• Knowledge of proper procedures for use of pesticide products, including application, disposal, safety, environmental impact, toxicity, and storage.

• Knowledge of pesticide sampling procedures for pesticide products.

• Knowledge of plant biology and identification.

• Knowledge of investigation methods and techniques.

• Knowledge of plant pests, including insects, pathogens, mites, nematodes, mollusks, and weeds.

• Knowledge of scientific research methodology related to pesticides.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to gather and analyze facts to solve problems and make recommendations for improvement.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year as an Agronomic Products Inspector or as a Plant Inspector (commonwealth titles);

or

• Three years of professional agricultural regulatory, agricultural scientific, agricultural education, or agricultural industry experience, and a bachelor's degree in general agriculture, agronomy, plant pathology, entomology, horticulture, or a closely related field;

or

• Three years of professional agricultural regulatory, agricultural scientific, agricultural education, or agricultural industry experience, and four years of paraprofessional experience applying quality, safety, and efficacy protocols for a pesticide application business, pesticide manufacturer, or a pest control business.