ENTOMOLOGIST TRAINEE
Entomologist Trainee is an unclassified state title, filled by appointment and outside the tenure protections that cover the competitive ranks.
The requirements come down to a bachelor's degree and a professional license.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction of the Entomologist 2, or other supervisor in the Division of Plant Industry, Department of Agriculture, as trainee and productive worker, assists in planning and making pest surveys to determine the presence and extent of insect pest and disease infestations and/or the effectiveness of various biological agents as control factors; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- As trainee and productive worker:
- Works with the several Bureaus of the Division of Plant Industry, the U.S. Forest Service, the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and with the Agricultural Extension Service to plan and make forest pest surveys and performs pest control programs throughout the state.
- Collects and arranges survey data for analysis.
- Assists in preparing correspondence in connection with pest surveys and control programs.
- Prepares clear, accurate, reports of pest surveys and control programs.
- Maintains the required records and files.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Entomology, or other Plant Science.
License
Appointees will have the opportunity to acquire registration as a Certified Regulatory Pesticide Applicator from the Department of Environmental Protection during the working test period.
Appointees will be required to qualify for a Federal License to issue Phytosanitary Certificates during the working test period.
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of major insect pest and disease infestations.
- Knowledge of field survey and control methods.
- Knowledge of the pest laws of the federal government, and knowledge of those laws as they pertain to the State of New Jersey after a period of training.
- Ability to collect and arrange survey data for analysis.
- Ability to determine the importance of types of forest pest damage.
- Ability to profit from an inservice training program.
- Ability to work effectively with associates, supervisory officials, farmers, and others concerned with the forest pest survey and control program.
- Ability to make field inspections and prepare clear, accurate, reports.
- Ability to keep records and files.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
- ADVANCEMENT
- Applicants who complete successfully the required twelve (12) month training program will be eligible for advancement to the title, Entomologist 2, in accordance with Department of Personnel procedures.
- The inability of an employee in this title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to the title listed above shall be considered as cause for separation.
- CODES: 95/P95- MCK 10/01/05
Note
Applicants who possess a Bachelor's degree in Biology or Plant Science must have nine (9) semester hour credits in Entomology included in or supplemented to the degree.