Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  50482336

Description Activated On:  12/23/2025 2:19:35 PM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

 Conduct exotic insect pest survey and detection in Pennsylvania forests, agricultural lands, and commercial properties.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

1. Contact property owner/manager to explain survey programs and obtain permission to examine trees or place traps prior to conducting activities on private/public property.
2. Follow survey protocols to place, maintain and remove survey traps.
3. Remove captured insect specimens from survey traps on schedule and promptly submit to headquarters staff at the PDA Entomology Laboratory in Harrisburg for identification.
4. Conduct visual surveillance of symptomatic host plants for signs of target organisms.
5. Follow protocols for data entry as provided by headquarters staff.
6. Respond to property owners who have called PDA pest hotline or email account to report suspected pests at the request of headquarters staff.
7. Maintain a weekly log of survey activities.
8. Demonstrate a commitment to meeting and exceeding expectations of the bureau/program's customer(s) at all times.
9. Apply lean tool(s) to day-to-day tasks when a process has been identified for improvement.
10. Perform all other duties as assigned or required.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

1. Determine whether potential host is exhibiting symptoms of target agricultural pest species and examination of host for signs of target pest presence.
2. Determine what information is appropriate to distribute to property owners and when to refer them to higher authorities, extension specialists or pest control personnel.
3. Determine appropriate location for placement of insect traps and plan trap service route for maximum efficiency.
4. Maximize workday efficiency, determining most prudent course of action in adverse weather conditions.
5. Maintain all official documentation in a responsible manner, including timely submission of reports and timesheets.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:



Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Class C Driver's License
 
2.   N/A
 
3.   N/A
 
4.   N/A
 
5.   N/A
 
6.   N/A

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Operate a motor vehicle daily in potentially adverse weather conditions.
 2. Identify common trees, shrubs, vines, and agricultural commodities of Pennsylvania.
 3. Safely use approved, assigned collection equipment.
 4. Remain at ease when dealing with public.
 5. Operate a laptop/tablet PC and/or smartphone in the field.
 6. Interpret paper and/or electronic maps to locate sampling area.
 7. Maintain equipment and materials assigned to you.
 8. Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
 9. Follow appropriate safety procedures and use personal protective equipment.
 10. Transport and lift boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.