JOB TITLE: PLANT INDUSTRY FIELD TECHNICIAN

JOB CODE: 56400

DEFINITION: This is technical field inspection work involving agricultural products in the Bureau of Plant Industry, Department of Agriculture.

An employee in this job conducts seasonal inspections of agricultural products at various locations including nurseries, greenhouses, and farms to identify plant pests and invasive plant species, and performs related duties in support of the pest management and certification programs. Work involves performing inspections and making recommendations to facility staff concerning the use of pesticides or other means to control plant pests; preparing written inspection and survey reports for submission to a supervisor; and assisting higher-level staff with plant surveys and research by setting up survey sites, collecting samples, recording data, and assessing damage or control measures. Work may also involve conducting fieldwork in support of the pesticide program, including applying pesticides to control pests and noxious weeds and pesticide disposal. Work is assigned by a supervisor or other higher-level staff who provides technical guidance and direction, and is reviewed through conferences, written reports, and direct observation.

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.)

• Conducts routine inspections to identify plant pests and invasive plant species.

• Prepares reports of inspection findings and recommended steps to control plant pests and invasive plants.

• Refers violations, such as unlicensed facilities, plant pest infestations, or improper pesticide storage, to a supervisor for appropriate follow-up.

• Assists with surveys and research related to the distribution, biology, and economic impacts of insects, mites, plant diseases, nematodes, and weeds.

• Makes pesticide applications to control invasive species and performs follow-up inspections to determine if control measures have been successful.

• Assists inspectors in inventorying and sampling pesticides destined for disposal.

• Collects and submits samples of plants and plant pest organisms for laboratory identification.

• Operates a motor vehicle.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic plant identification.

• Knowledge of plant pests, such as insects, pathogens, mites, nematodes, and weeds.

• Knowledge of common types and characteristics of pesticides.

• Knowledge of normal plant physiology and physiological disorders.

• Ability to read and interpret written information.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

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

• One year of experience in plant pest control activities associated with the production and care of plants, and an associate’s degree in one of the agricultural or biological sciences;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

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