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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 50502125 |
Description Activated On: 3/11/2026 9:59:07 AM |
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. Assist with laboratory, greenhouse, field, and office work related to plant disease surveillance, and diagnosis conducted by Plant Pathology Program, Division of Plant Protection. |
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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. o Participate in surveys for the presence of plant disease causing organisms around the state of Pennsylvania adhering to designed protocols. Participate in other program related field work including the Fruit Tree Improvement Program. Collect plant, water, and soil samples according to protocols. o Collect, transport, and deliver samples from field locations. Locate and navigate to field sites using maps and/or GPS tools available. Record information and field data using survey applications and/or other prescribed formats. o Contact growers to obtain information for surveys. Provide basic information regarding plant disease surveys. Refer complex inquiries to appropriate staff member. o Assist with laboratory tests, after training by supervisor, including macro- and microscopic examination, nematode extraction from soil and plant samples, culture isolation, nucleic acid extraction, immunochemical, and molecular tests. Follow laboratory protocols to process samples accurately while maintaining sample integrity. Adhere to safe and aseptic laboratory techniques. o Perform general laboratory maintenance tasks, after training by supervisor. May include tasks such as preparing buffer solutions, making media, washing and sterilizing laboratory glassware, cleaning lab benches, processing samples for testing, and organizing supplies. o Assist in preparation and maintenance of an inventory of laboratory supplies, media, and reagents; and ensure date-sensitive items are properly documented. o Assist with greenhouse work. May include tasks such as watering and fertilizing, potting and transplanting plants, participating in biological control programs, cleaning and disinfecting benches and working spaces. o Maintain records and compile data in databases. Keep detailed records of sample data. Report results to supervisor. o Provide office support related to plant disease data organization and communication. o Demonstrate a commitment to meeting and exceeding expectations of the bureau/program’s customers at all times. o Apply Lean tools to day-to-day tasks when a process has been identified for improvement. o Performs other related duties as 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. Record all assigned work, materials and methods, results, and conclusions for review by supervisor. Identify non-conformities, discrepancies, or technical difficulties. Report observations to supervisor. Inform supervisor when protocol modifications are needed. Inform supervisor when supplies are low. |
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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: Previous experience in nematode assays and extraction is a preferred. Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. Class C Driver's License 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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