Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 50528009	Description Activated On: 3/19/2024 8:26:19 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.

Provides technical assistance in the field and office within the Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) regional offices to the Plant Inspection Program Specialists (PIPS) and staff to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. Conducts tree inventory for host trees of Spotted Lanternfly and ground pest surveys as required. Assists in direct suppression, biocontrol, trapping, and sampling as required to control Spotted Lanternfly. Establishes field study plots as required. Collects and summarizes field data in electronic format. Prepares written reports as required. Oversees Forest Insect Pest Aide (FIPA) 1 field staff.

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. Conducts tree inventory and plant pest surveys and prepares maps.
2. Assists in the development, implementation and reporting of statewide experimental projects, and assists in the conduct of plant pest control projects associated with Spotted lanternfly control.
3. Performs pre-control activities to support successful implementation of contracted work including coordination of activities with property owners and contractors.
5. Act as a lead worker for Forest Insect Pest Aide 1's and seasonal Forest Technicians
6. Maintains working relationship with appropriate contacts from other PA agencies, universities, cooperative extension, conservation districts, federal agencies, and collaborative landscape-level organizations that operate within Pennsylvania. Be an active part of collaborative groups when possible.
7. Manages, tracks, categorizes, and prepares purchase requests to be approved by the supervisor for all purchasing for the region.
8. Assists with the management of the regional vehicle fleet and IT equipment. Tracks vehicle maintenance, repairs, and vehicle upgrades. Assists with the outfitting of vehicles for field staff.
9. Coordinates, manages, and schedules survey activities performed by field crews.
10. Trains seasonal staff on Lycorma delicatula (LYCO) procedure relative to data collection and reporting
11. Reviews LYCO reports submitted by field staff to ensure accuracy for data entry
12. Prepares reports utilizing data received from field staff to document SLF findings
13. Produces maps utilizing ArcGIS and produces pivot tables utilizing Excel with data collected by field staff to produce visual representations of SLF populations.
14. Reviews public reports utilizing online reporting tool and ensures field staff have expeditiously followed up with non-quarantined counties to confirm possible sightings.
15. Prepares maps and reports for supervisor to update program areas on SLF program as needed.
16. Delivers presentations to outside organizations relative to SLF as requested.
17. Coordinates, schedules, and manages SLF task force surveys and participates in special projects or assignments as requested.
18. Answers telephone and provides information to callers, and/or refers callers to proper person based on information collected.
19. Coordinates the appropriation of seasonal field staff.
20. Assists staff with requests for supplies, special projects, chemical coordination, and other requests as needed.
21. Assists staff with questions related to travel.
22. Represents the Commonwealth and/or PDA and/or the Bureau of Plant Industry at town hall meetings, or outreach events like fairs or environmental events, as assigned by Supervisor.
23. Apply pesticides to control Spotted lanternfly or its hosts.
24. Demonstrate a commitment to meeting and exceeding expectations of the bureau/program's customer(s) at all times.
25. Apply Lean tool(s) to day-to-day tasks when a process has been identified for improvement.
26. 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.Oversee a staff of skilled, technical field staff engaged in multiple surveys and activities across the Commonwealth.
2.Communicate professional expertise in areas including survey methodology, identification, biology, economic importance, and control options.
3.Provide logistical support to field staff during survey and control work, including large-scale response activities.
4.Provide quality assurance for survey and control implementation and sample collection.
5.Support travel arrangements for FIPA 1 field staff to areas outside of their regional responsibilities.
6. Preparation and coordination of property assessment and tree inventory in order to meet survey and other project work completion requirements. determine tree sizes and mark accordingly for herbicide treatment, tree removal or insecticide treatment.
7.Formal responses in person, over electronic transmittal and/or in writing must be prepared within established policies and approved by the Plant Inspection Program Specialist.
8. Determines survey and trapping locations for field crews based on historic SLF data, risk of SLF spread, and priority treatment property data.

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.	Effectively communicate verbally and writing.
2.	Organize and prioritize work assignments to manage multiple duties while meeting deadlines and being flexible with changing priorities.
3.	Provide training for staff as needed
4.	Utilize current technology to perform daily tasks (laptop, tablet PC, and smartphone)
5.	Remain at ease when dealing with public.
6.	Interpret paper and/or electronic maps to locate treatment/survey/trapping areas.
7.	Maintain equipment and materials assigned to you.
8.	Follow appropriate safety procedures and use personal protective equipment as appropriate.
9.	Drive a vehicle daily in potentially adverse weather conditions.
10.	Speak and present in a public setting.