Plant Pathology Supervisor

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is actively seeking a qualified individual to fill the role of Plant Pathologist Supervisor. This is an exciting opportunity for plant pathologists who are eager to enhance their diagnostic pathology expertise while stepping into a significant leadership position. If you are passionate about plant health and ready to take on new challenges in a supervisory capacity, we encourage you to submit your application today. This role not only allows you to apply your knowledge and skills but also offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the field of agriculture.

This role entails providing leadership and coordination within the Plant Pathology Program, part of the Plant Protection Division. In this position, you will oversee the diagnosis and determination of regulatory plant diseases in the Commonwealth and provide diagnostic lab support for Plant inspection, Plant certification and Plant disease survey programs. You will develop and implement surveys to detect pathogens that pose a risk to Pennsylvania's agriculture and environment. Additionally, you will supervise professional, technical, and seasonal staff, ensuring that all activities align with program objectives and regulatory standards. Your expertise will be crucial in safeguarding the state's agricultural and environmental resources through effective disease management and prevention strategies.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 2 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years as a Plant Pathologist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of professional laboratory experience in the analysis, detection, or control of plant diseases and a bachelor's degree in agricultural studies, botany, horticulture, environmental science, microbiology, or a related field that includes 15 college credits in plant sciences; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes fifteen college credits in plant sciences.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.