JOB TITLE: FOREST PATHOLOGIST, DCNR

JOB CODE: 54510

DEFINITION: This is professional work detecting and controlling forest diseases in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

An employee in this job plans, organizes, and directs a statewide program to prevent, detect, manage, and suppress forest diseases. Work involves planning and coordinating forest aerial and ground surveillance to identify areas with diseases; preparing and conducting a training program to inform field personnel of the latest developments in disease detection and pest control methods; coordinating with the federal government, universities, and other participating agencies on pest surveys, experimental control projects, and related research work; and providing advisory and consultative services to field personnel and private forest owners on tree disease surveillance, evaluation, and management methods. Work includes responsibility for formulating departmental policy and developing management plans to address forest pest and disease problems. Supervision may be exercised over professional and technical staff. Work is assigned by an administrative supervisor in the form of overall objectives and is reviewed for program effectiveness and adherence to departmental policy.

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.)

• Plans and directs the activities of professional and technical employees involved in forest disease studies and projects.

• Evaluates the results and applications of studies, field investigations, and research related to forest pathology.

• Provides technical assistance to district foresters on forest disease control projects.

• Performs laboratory identification of specimens submitted by field personnel or the general public.

• Provides information to field personnel to inform them of current forest pest and disease problems and the most suitable control methods.

• Interprets reports submitted by field personnel to determine the nature, extent, and distribution of disease epidemics and the advisability of control measures.

• Serves on national, state, and regional forest pest control committees.

• Operates a motor vehicle.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee 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 tree species and forest vegetation, insects, and diseases.

• Knowledge of forest disease control measures.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of forest entomology.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of forest pathology.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of plant physiology.

• Knowledge of dendrology and ecology of forest trees.

• Knowledge of forest economics.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These are not used for merit system evaluation or examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.)

• Ability to recognize and identify forest diseases and symptoms of forest diseases common to the state.

• Ability to interpret and communicate forest pathology concepts for professional and lay persons.

• Ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports.

• Ability to plan and organize the work of professional and technical staff.

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

• Two years of professional experience in forest pathology, plant pathology, or mycology and a master’s degree in plant pathology, plant physiology, forest pathology, dendrology, forest ecology, forest entomology, botany or a closely-related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two years of professional experience in forest pathology, plant pathology, or mycology.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.