Plant Pathologist Position Available In Dauphin, Pennsylvania

Salary:

$59,345.00 – $90,211.00

Annually Location :

Dauphin County, PA Job Type:

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time Job Number:

CSSC-2025-27074-56300

Department:

Department of Agriculture Division:

AG Plnt Pro Div Opening Date:

06/13/2025

Closing Date:

6/26/2025 11:59

PM Eastern Job Code:

56300

Position Number:

00038140

Union:

AFSCME Bargaining Unit:

B4

Pay Group:

ST07 Bureau /

Division Code:

00043951 Bureau /

Division:

Plant Protection Division Worksite Address:

2301

N Cameron St City:

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Zip Code:

17110

Contact Name:

Zachary Bender Contact Email:

zbender@pa.gov

THE POSITION

Are you skilled in diagnosing plant diseases and eager to apply your expertise to safeguard Pennsylvania’s agricultural landscape and natural resources? If so, this opportunity might be the perfect fit for you! The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is actively seeking a Plant Pathologist to join the Plant Protection Division, where your knowledge will play a crucial role in enhancing the health of crops and ecosystems across the state. This is an exciting chance to make a significant impact in the field of agriculture while working alongside a dedicated team of professionals. Do not miss out on the opportunity to contribute to the protection and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s vital agricultural resources-apply today and become a part of our mission!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this position, you will be responsible for conducting applied research and providing diagnostic laboratory services related to plant inspection, certification, and disease survey initiatives. Your role will also involve taking the lead on at least one key aspect of the Plant Pathology program, which may include areas such as nematology, virology, mycology, or bacteriology. You will be tasked with implementing established methods and techniques for the collection of samples and the identification of plant pathogens, ensuring that all processes adhere to validated protocols. This will require a thorough understanding of the relevant scientific principles and the ability to apply them effectively in a laboratory setting, contributing to the overall success of the program and the health of plant populations. 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 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

Two years as a Plant Industry Lab Technician (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration): or Two years of professional laboratory experience diagnosing 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:

This specific position requires possession of a valid non-commercial Class C driver’s license that is not under suspension. 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 will eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov . Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). 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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

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. Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short ! See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our Health & Wellness We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.• Compensation & Financial Planning We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life Balance We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.• Values and Culture We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving. Employee Perks Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships. For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box. •Eligibility rules apply. 01 Select certification – Do you possess a current driver’s license which is not under suspension? Yes No 02 If you answered yes, please provide your driver’s license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below. 03 Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Plant Industry Lab Technician for two or more years full-time? Yes No 04 If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below. 05 Have you completed 15 or more semester college credits in plant sciences? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the “Attachments” tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer “Yes” to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information. Yes No 06 How many years of full-time professional laboratory experience diagnosing plant diseases do you possess? A. 2 years or more B. 1 but less than 2 years C. Less than 1 year D. None 07 If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below. 08 How much graduate coursework have you completed in plant pathology, microbiology, bacteriology, nematology, virology, molecular biology, or plant science? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the “Attachments” tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer “Yes” to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information. A. 30 credits or more B. Less than 30 credits C. None 09 You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score. All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions. Read each question carefully. Determine and select which “Level of Performance” most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The “Level of Performance” you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function. If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the “Yes” button and proceed to the exam questions. If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our Yes 10 WORK

BEHAVIOR 1 – PLANT DISEASE DIAGNOSTICS

Perform macroscopic, microscopic, biochemical, biological, molecular, and/or serological examination of plant disease samples to detect and identify plant-pathogenic bacteria, fungi, nematodes, viruses, and/or virus-like organisms; follow principles of Koch’s Postulates and best laboratory practices; use microscopes, centrifuges, density gradient fractionators, thermal cyclers, electrophoresis equipment, nematode elutriators, and photo documentation equipment; and prepare and direct preparation of cultures, media, stock solutions and buffers used in laboratory examinations of plant disease samples. Levels of Performance Select the “Level of Performance” which best describes your claim. A. I have professional experience independently performing this work behavior with one or more classes of disease organism (e.g., bacteria, fungi, nematodes, viruses, or virus-like organisms). This experience has included determining appropriate diagnostic methods/procedures and independently interpreting results. B. I have professional experience performing this work behavior with one or more classes of disease organism (e.g., bacteria, fungi, nematodes, viruses, or virus-like organisms) with guidance, assistance or close supervision. C. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to plant disease diagnostics. D. I have experience performing the routine aspects of this work behavior (e.g., preparing cultures, media, stock solutions, and buffers). E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to plant disease diagnostics. F. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior. 11 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. The type(s) of diagnostic test(s) you performed. The actual duties you performed. Your level of responsibility. 12 If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below. College/University Course Title(s) Credits/Clock Hours 13 WORK

BEHAVIOR 2 – PLANT DISEASE SURVEY

Plan, design, and implement field or greenhouse surveys to detect plant disease; select sites to be surveyed; communicate with growers/landowners to collect information on cropping/pest history and production practices; collect and direct the collection of relevant soil and/or plant samples; perform or direct necessary laboratory testing for confirmation of survey results; and interpret survey results. Levels of Performance Select the “Level of Performance” which best describes your claim. A. I have professional experience performing planning, designing and implementing field or greenhouse surveys. I have often been asked to provide direction or technical assistance to others in performing these activities. B. I have professional experience planning, designing and implementing field or greenhouse surveys as part of a team or with close guidance or supervision. C. I have successfully completed graduate-level coursework related to plant disease diagnostics. D. I have experience performing the routine aspects of this work behavior (e.g., collecting samples, entering data, etc.) E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to plant epidemiology, microbiology, entomology or plant disease survey techniques. F. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior. 14 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. The type(s) of related survey(s) you conducted. The actual duties you performed. Your level of responsibility (team leader, team member, etc.) 15 If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below. College/University Course Title(s) Credits/Clock Hours 16 WORK

BEHAVIOR 3 – PLANT PATHOLOGY RESEARCH

Perform research to support plant disease diagnostic and survey work. Duties may include developing tools or validation strategies for improved disease diagnostics; studying rates of spread and intensity of disease/pests under different conditions of soil, climate and other variables; and studying basic elements of pathogen biology to assist in making control recommendations for regulated diseases. Levels of Performance Select the “Level of Performance” which best describes your claim. A. I have professional experience performing this work behavior; OR I have completed a graduate-level thesis that involved research with a plant pathogen. B. I have professional experience performing this work behavior as part of a research team or with close guidance or supervision. C. I have experience performing the routine tasks in support of this work behavior (e.g., performing work designed by another, generating data for review and interpretation by others, etc.). D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to this work behavior. E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior. 17 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. The type(s) of research project(s) you performed. The actual duties you performed. Your level of responsibility (developed, assisted, etc.) 18 If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below. College/University Course Title(s) Credits/Clock Hours 19 WORK

BEHAVIOR 4 – PREPARE WRITTEN MATERIALS

Prepare technical reports, scientific articles, and other written materials to document experimental methods/procedures used, results obtained, and recommendations made; and to disseminate information of interest to plant inspectors, growers, other professionals in the field of plant industry, and the public. Levels of Performance Select the “Level of Performance” which best describes your claim. A. I have professional experience as principal author of a published scientific article on the topic of plant pathology; OR I have completed a graduate-level thesis in an area of plant pathology. This experience involved overall responsibility for the final product. B. I have experience as the sole or primary author of articles for popular press, grower publications, extension fact sheets, or similar articles in the area of plant pathology for non-scientific audiences. C. I have experience as a co-author of scientific or technical articles; OR I have experience preparing technical reports or other written materials that have not been published. D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to this work behavior. E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior 20 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. The type(s) of reports, articles, etc. you prepared. The type(s) of audience you prepared these reports, articles, etc. for. Your level of responsibility. 21 If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below. College/University Course Title(s) Credits/Clock Hours 22 WORK

BEHAVIOR 5 – PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Provide direction and technical assistance to field inspectors, growers, laboratory assistants/technicians and others in the field of plant industry; and prepare and conduct training sessions and oral presentations on topics of interest. Levels of Performance Select the “Level of Performance” which best describes your claim. A. I have professional experience preparing and conducting formal training or formal oral presentations on topics related to plant pathology. B. I have professional experience conducting formal training or formal oral presentations on topics related to plant pathology but with guidance, assistance or close supervision. C. I have conducted training on topics other than those related to plant pathology. D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public speaking or instructional principles and practices. D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior. 23 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. The type(s) of training or formal oral presentation(s) you prepared and conducted. The audience you presented this training or formal presentation to. The actual duties you performed. Your level of responsibility. 24 If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below. College/University Course Title(s) Credits/Clock Hours Required Question