04/11/2000 56305

PLANT PATHOLOGY PROGRAM MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is professional managerial work in the field of plant pathology in the Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Division.

The employee in this class is responsible for directing and coordinating plant pathology field and laboratory studies involving survey/detection, diagnosis, certification and registration activities, methods development, and disease management; specialty areas include, but are not limited to bacteriology, epidemiology, mycology, nematology, phytotoxicology, and virology. Work involves supervising investigations that support regulatory and pest management programs, including developing new techniques in the detection, diagnosis and management of plant diseases. Responsibilities include managing the work of professional staff involved in Plant Pathology programs and may include supervision of other professional and technical employees engaged in related work activities. Duties also include supervising the maintenance of facilities and equipment. Work is performed independently within standards of Bureau policy and is reviewed by a supervisor for program effectiveness through conferences and review of written reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Supervises professional staff in charge of statewide programs in survey/detection, diagnosis, certification and registration, methods development, and disease management in support of plant regulatory activities.

Oversees the development of certification and registration programs designed to provide growers/producers with the best management practices to obtain "pest free" plants and plant products.

Develops regulations for implementation of certification and registration programs.

Supervises the development of new methods enabling faster, more efficient isolation and identification of plant diseases.

Supervises the design, interpretation and preparation of technical reports of surveys designed to determine economic impacts of plant diseases; devises and
evaluates control programs.

Coordinates all Plant Pathology programs, including cooperative programs with other agencies.

Directs the development of training programs for seasonal and permanent employees and the hiring of seasonal employees.

Supervises the ordering of all supplies, equipment, literature, and other items essential to Plant Pathology programs.

Coordinates the management and inventorying of all facilities, equipment and other materials for all Plant Pathology programs.

Prepares budget information for inclusion in the Division of Plant Protection's budget request to the Department of Agriculture.

Participates in the development of regulatory policies pertaining to Plant Pathology programs.

Attends and addresses meetings of state, national and international professional organizations, trade groups, etc.

Prepares reports, articles and other informational materials.

Reviews performance standards and conducts performance evaluations for professional and technical staff.

Employees in this class may participate in their subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of plant pathology, including survey/detection, biology, diagnostics/ identification, regulatory plant protection, and other specialized areas.

Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques and laboratory and field equipment used in plant pathology, including recent developments.

Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules and regulations related to plant pathology.

Knowledge of agricultural production and the impact of plant diseases on Pennsylvania agriculture.

Ability to act promptly and accurately in plant disease identification and management.

Ability to coordinate and manage statewide programs in plant pathology.

Ability to assign, review and supervise the work of professional, technical and seasonal employees.

Ability to work with people in other divisions and the regional offices to promote cooperative projects and good communications.

Ability to properly manage and effectively use facilities, equipment and supplies.

Ability to communicate effectively with scientists, colleagues, field staff, private industry, and the public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of experience as a Plant Pathologist Supervisor or a Plant Inspection Program Specialist;

                                                                                                                                                                                               or

A bachelor's degree in plant pathology or a related field, plus four years of plant pathology regulatory experience;

                                                                                                                                                                                               or

A master's degree in plant pathology or a related field and three years of plant pathology regulatory experience;

                                                                                                                                                                                               or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which affords the required knowledge, skills and abilities.