JOB TITLE: BOTANY AND WEED SPECIALIST, AGRICULTURE

JOB CODE: 52511

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the field of botany and weed science in the Bureau of Plant Industry in the Department of Agriculture.

An employee in this job administers the Pennsylvania Noxious Weed Control Act by providing guidance and advice for statewide programs to governmental and private officials. Work includes responsibility for providing taxonomic and botanical direction and services for regional bureau staff, other department and commonwealth agency staff, poison control centers, farmers, and the public. An employee in this job plans, implements, and evaluates statewide plant surveys for weed species and plants injurious to animals or humans and provides weed control information to regional employees and the public. Work is performed with considerable independence within the framework of departmental policies and in accordance with standard scientific and technical practices. Work may involve supervision of seasonal interns and oversight over other employees. General supervision is received through conferences and review of completed reports.

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.):

• Reviews and analyzes scientific data to determine the need for statewide surveys.

• Implements field surveys and management plans to control specific plant and weed problems based on scientific information.

• Receives noxious weed complaints, conducts associated field assessments, and writes control notices under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Noxious Weed Control Act.

• Acts as a curator of the Pennsylvania Herbarium Museum using standard botanical measures for all specimens.

• Identifies various kinds of plants, including both woody and herbaceous species.

• Evaluates exemptions requested under the provisions of the Noxious Weed Control Act for horticultural and research purposes; reviews proposed amendments and regulations developed under the Act’s authority; and makes recommendations.

• Prepares technical papers or reports and gives presentations on botanical/weed subjects and weed regulatory matters to field staff and academic and regulatory audiences.

• Trains, instructs, and supervises seasonal employees in the performance of botanical and weed science work.

• Guides and oversees other bureau employees with botanical and weed science work.

• Develops and provides outreach and training for appropriate weed control measures, including pesticides as part of an Integrated Vegetation Management program.

• Serves on committees and provides weed science expertise.

• Cooperates with federal and state agencies and academic institutions on non-native weed issues.

• Represents the bureau at weed-related local, state, and national meetings.

• Operates a motor vehicle to transport pesticides and visit field sites throughout the commonwealth.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of plant taxonomy, botany, and weed science.

• Knowledge of the major flora, specifically weeds, crops, and poisonous plants, native to Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic area.

• Knowledge of scientific laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures used in plant taxonomy, botany, and weed science.

• Knowledge of plant identification and classification methodology.

• Knowledge of plant survey planning and techniques.

• Knowledge of research methodology and technical report writing related to botany and plants.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

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

• Two years of professional experience in botany and weed science and a bachelor's degree in botany, horticulture, agronomy, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional experience in botany and weed science.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• All positions in this job require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.